James Albert Silman Vaughan, 58, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025. He was surrounded by those who loved him most in this world.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Jane Wood Vaughan and Gary Duane Vaughan Sr.; along with his grandmother, Lola S. Wood a.k.a. “Honey”.
He leaves behind one child, Reno Paige Silman Vaughan (Grace LoPresti Vaughan); his brother, Gary Duane Vaughan Jr. “Dewey”; his sister, Elizabeth Jane Crookshanks Vaughan “Beth”; and Renee McDaniel, with whom he shares their beloved daughter.
James was born on May 15, 1967 with a smile on his face and music in his heart. He received his first drum kit at the age of five and the rest was history. He was a brilliant musician, going on to play trumpet and drums in the Warren County High School marching band while playing local gigs on the weekends. He has been in many groups, most of them alongside his brother, Dewey. They were later joined by his daughter, Reno, and her wife, Grace. It was the joy of his life to make music with his family and to share it with his community.
Along with music, his other loves were his cat “Murphy”, The Washington Redskins, a full-bellied laugh, and a rip-roarin’ good time.
He will be missed by many, as his ripple goes far and wide. He was blessed by his community and all his friends, near and far.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hungry for Music – who knows, there could be another drummer out there just needing their first kit.
A service will be held on November 15, 2025 at Maddox Funeral Home. Family will be received starting at 11 a.m. with service to begin at 12 p.m. with the Rev. Michael Williams officiating. Wake to follow, details will be provided during the service
