James "River Jim" R. VanNess

James R. “River Jim” VanNess, age 60 passed away all too soon on Monday, December 2, 2024 at his home in Morgantown.

James was born March 9, 1964 in Greencastle to his parents the late James Clifford and Barbara (Burgan) VanNess.   

River Jim was a woodsman and spent time in the outdoors by hunting and fishing. He enjoyed working on his 3 wheeled motorcycles and watching the Indianapolis Colts, and IU basketball and football with his wife, Denise. Jim also enjoyed writing music and playing his guitar.

He will be missed by his loving wife, Denise, whom he married on July 27, 2019 in Nashville. He will also be missed by his step children, Brandon (Deidra Radcliff) Taylor of Paoli and MacKenzie Taylor of Morgantown, grandchildren, Marley Taylor, Kenlee Taylor, Drew Haste, Greyson Haste and Tinslee Earl, his sister, Vicki (Mark) Shorter of Brazil and four-legged companion, Boog.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Terri VanNess, step son Zachary Staggs and nephew Joshua Shorter.

Visitation for friends and family will be held on Monday, December 9th from 5-7 p.m. at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jim to the American Heart Association: PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284 or the American Lung Association: PO Box 756 Osceola, WI 54020

Condolences may be sent to the family at meredith-clark.com.

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