James Charles Vaughan, 79, died unexpectedly but peacefully during his sleep Aug. 14, 2014 in Santa Rosa, California, after many years coping with multiple sclerosis and confined to an electric wheelchair.

Jim Vaughan was born March 30, 1935 in Utica, New York to James Baker Vaughan and Marianna Le Richeux, and received his engineering degree from Cornell University in 1959.

Jim lived with his family for 30 years in Palo Alto, California, working as an electrical engineer and serving as a Boy Scout leader, guiding and motivating many young Scouts, teaching leadership skills, and organizing backpacking and other outdoor excursions.

After retiring to Bainbridge Island in 1995, Jim started a robot club to teach computer programming and electronics to children and teenagers, inspiring some to become engineers and in turn pass along their love of electronics and programming to other kids. He also helped design a planetarium for the astronomical association, to convey the joy and fascination of astronomy to the community.

He moved to the Santa Rosa area in 2010 to be closer to his grandchildren. He also volunteered as a math tutor. After losing his ability to hike, ski, or bicycle, swimming had become a favorite daily activity. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his sons Bob and Matt of Palo Alto; two grandchildren; his sister, Sally Vaughan of New York and Florida; and his former wife, Barbara Vaughan, of Santa Rosa.

No services are planned.

Contact information: https://www.facebook.com/matt.vaughan.5876.