James H. Vater

03/01/2006

James H. Vater, 81, of Tucson, Ariz., formerly of Great Barrington, died Wednesday in Tucson after a long illness. Born July 5, 1924, in Jamaica Plain, son of John T. and Amelia Sceviour Vater, he served in the Army during World War II and later graduated from Boston University. He moved to Great Barrington in 1956. He last worked at Great Barrington Savings Bank, where he served as vice president of loans, retiring in 1989. Prior to that, he worked at Pioneer Credit Corp., where he became vice president/treasurer. In 1991, he retired to Tucson, Ariz. He was a member of the First Congregational Church, Great Barrington. A golfer, he was a member of Wyantenuck Golf Course and was a Red Sox and Patriots fan. He married his wife, the former Marilyn Fisher, in 1947. Besides his wife of 58 years, he leaves three daughters, Janet Reinhardt of Wichita, Kan., Pam Nelson of Winter Park, Fla., and Sue Wheeler of Eagle River, Ark.; five grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters. FUNERAL NOTICE -- A memorial celebration of the life of James H. Vater, who died Wednesday, March 1, 2006, will be held Friday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at Adair Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave., Tucson, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eagle River Christian Academy, 10336 E. Eagle River Loop Road, Eagle River, AK 99577. He leaves sons-in-law Brent Reinhardt, Al Nelson and Wyatt Wheeler; five grandchildren, Jessica, Patricia, Christopher, Courtney and Kari; great-granddaughters Celeste, Tavia and Starlynn, and many dear friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Alton and Donald Vater. He was a beloved husband and father who died surrounded by his loving family. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his patience and wisdom, but most of all, his gentle manner, smile and sense of humor.

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