James Thomas Vinson, age 70, affectionately known as “Jim” and “Tommy,” and a resident of Hampshire, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with James Barnes officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Maury Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. A visitation will also be held on Saturday from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

Born on April 7, 1955, in Wyatt, Missouri, Jim was the son of the late Sylvester Vinson and the late Kathryn Houseman Vinson. In 1994, he married Marie Vinson, who preceded him in death on June 17, 2017. James dedicated his entire adult life to his career at General Motors.

He was a devoted and active member of Greenfield Bend Church of Christ in Williamsport. A gifted poet, Jim was affectionately known as “The Frog Poet,” inspired by his love of frogs. He also enjoyed photography, took great delight in celebrating and decorating for Halloween, and was an avid fan of The Howlin Embers. Known for his friendly nature, Jim had a contagious laugh and loved to talk and hear a story. Above all, Jim deeply loved his family.

He is survived by his beloved children, Michael (Mimi) Vinson, Melissa Mitchell, Rachel (Scott) Putnik, Jesse Vinson, Mary Yager, step children, Laura Neal and Wayne Hill, brother, Ricky (Faye) Vinson, sisters, Freda Pringle, Karen Vinson, Joyce Vinson, grandchildren, Brandon, Trevor, Christian, Michael, Elizabeth, Calvin, Morris, Austin, Gage, Trenton, Gavin, James, Taydan, Zane, Kason, Blaze, step grandchildren, Bay, Isabella, Gabby, Athena, and Lucas, great granddaughter, Gabriella, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford Vinson and infant brother, Vester Vinson.