Cover photo for Jack H. Vandiver, Jr.'s Obituary
Jack H. Vandiver, Jr. Profile Photo
1923 "Papa Jay" 2022

Jack H. Vandiver, Jr.

January 28, 1923 — September 21, 2022

Murrayville

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James Herman Vandiver, Jr., of Murrayville, GA, and of Wheaton, IL since 2018, transitioned from Earth to Heaven September 21, 2022. He was the oldest living child of James H. Sr. and Lessie Hefner Vandiver. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Sue Anderson Vandiver. His children are Dianne Vandiver Wallace (Bill) of Cherryville, NC, and Jack H. Vandiver, III (Robin) of Wheaton, IL.
 
Known as “Jay, Daddy Jay, or Papa Jay” to many, he was born in Gainesville, GA, January 28, 1923.  Raised in the mountains of North Georgia, Jay was the second of 7 children, two of whom are still surviving.  He met his wife Sue at a skating rink and the relationship grew quickly into love.  Married July 18, 1942, Jay and Sue celebrated 75 years together. 

Jay was drafted to serve his beloved United States in WWII. As an Army Private, he was placed in the 42nd Rainbow Division, landing in the second wave of invasion on the Beaches of Normandy, France. As a Sergeant, he was commandeered to travel with a detail for a higher-ranking officer behind enemy lines. Over the years, he recounted numerous stories to those who asked, one of which was his greatest achievement, liberating the prisoners at Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. 

As a man who loved God, Jay’s faith matched his humility. His love for his family was evident to everyone, and he unofficially adopted many! He always felt called to serve others.  Though he worked long hours and retired as a diesel mechanic, he always found time to serve his church in whatever capacity was needed. Trying to keep an old school bus running with heat on a Sunday morning was a challenge as he picked up families for church. He served on the District Board of the Wesleyan Church and was Sunday School Superintendent for many years. As a member of Gideons International, Jay distributed Bibles to college students, the incarcerated, hospitals, and schools. During his 4 years in Wheaton, IL, many came to visit for the blessing of having him pray over them. 

If you knew Jay, you loved him. He is adored by 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren, as well as his extended family and all those he and Sue adopted.

The family will receive friends at W.R. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home in Clermont, GA, on Thursday, September 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the funeral will be Friday, September 30, at 1 pm in the Strickland Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Ken Anderson and Reverend Tem Frierson will officiate the service.  As an honored WWII veteran, Jay will be escorted to the funeral home for his life celebration with family and friends. We would appreciate your prayers as we remember his life and impact.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Gideons International association.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack H. Vandiver, Jr., please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, September 29, 2022

5:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

W R Strickland and Sons Funeral Home

260 Main Street, Clermont, GA 30527

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Funeral Service

Friday, September 30, 2022

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

Strickland Funeral Home Chapel

260 Main Street, Clermont, GA 30527

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Interment

Friday, September 30, 2022

Wahoo Baptist Church Cemetery

Murrayville, GA

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