James E. Varney 1935-2023

He was the beloved husband of the late Mary E. Rutherford Varney for 65 years; cherished father of Sheri Varney and the late Anthony “Tony” Clay Varney; dear grandfather of David Anthony Varney; and dear brother of David Neil (Helen) Varney.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Roscoe Jr. “Bug” Varney, Nettie Lou “Pudgy” Lillis, Nellie Sue Greer and Danny Ray Varney. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Dolly Hodges Varney.

Jim was born at home in Varney, W.Va., Oct. 18, 1935. He moved to Cleveland with his bride, Mary, in December 1955, where he was employed as an assembly line worker at the Euclid Fisher Body Plant. Upon promotion to foreman, Jim and his family relocated to Austintown in 1966, where he was employed at the General Motors plant in Lordstown. Jim transferred once more in 1983 to St. Peters, Mo., to accept the position of production manager for Trim and assisted with the opening of the Wentzville Assembly Center, from where he retired in 1996 with over 44 years of service with General Motors. During his time at the Wentzville plant, he was also appointed as the U.S. Customer Relations representative for the Buick Division and travelled, responding to customer complaints received by Buick dealerships.

Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army after being drafted in 1958, and spent a year in Korea on the Demilitarized Zone.

Jim delighted in serving others. He spent many years faithfully serving in the church in Ohio as a board member, Sunday school superintendent, and church usher. Also, in his retirement, he supported Metro-Vision Ministries in St. Louis, Mo. and helped many neighbors and friends.

The family will have a memorial service in Missouri, Sunday, July 30, 2023, with a graveside service later in Ohio.

Memorial contributions have been suggested to the American Parkinson Disease Association (www.apdaparkinson.org).

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