James Robert Vaughn was born March 21, 1959, in DeKalb, Illinois. Jim attended DeKalb High School and graduated in 1977. Following graduation, he was a member of Iron Workers Local 393. He was competitive in all sports and athletics, especially basketball and golf.  Jim was an avid fan of the DeKalb Barbs, Cubs, and Bears. He was a proud supporter of boys' and girls' athletics. 

James Robert Vaughn of DeKalb died on Monday, July 18, 2011, following a construction accident. The family used memorial contributions to create a new Scholarship Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation. The James "Jimmy" Vaughn Scholarship Fund supports an award for a DeKalb High School graduate who participated in sports and demonstrated a value system consistent with Jimmy's life of putting others above self. The Fund honors Jimmy Vaughn and continues to leave a lasting legacy of love and support.