James J Varney

James J. Varney, 71, of South Windsor, formerly of Manchester, beloved husband of 23 years to Sandra (Fletcher) Varney passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at home with his family at his side. Jim was born in Manchester on May 18, 1942 son of the late Leslie E. and Beulah Mae (Quinn) Varney. He grew up on the Hartland Tobacco Farm and later attended Manchester High School. In his earlier days Jim built and drove dragsters at the regional Northeastern Race Tracks. He was the former owner/operator of Jim's Shell Station in Manchester and had served as President of the Andover Sportsman Club. Jim enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid Dale Earnhardt Sr. fan. He was a gifted Master Mechanic as well as a Carpenter and Electrician and was lovingly known as "Mr. Fix It." Jim was very proud of his employment with I.B.M. for over 25 years as a Senior Customer Engineer until his retirement in 1995, due to his health. After his retirement, Jim volunteered with the Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue and he founded the Varney Farm in South Windsor to supply food to Foodshare. In addition to his wife, Sandy he leaves his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Ron Begin and their children, Kate and Ray of East Hampton, his son and daughter - in-law, Jim and Becky Varney and their children Mason and Taryn of Manchester. He also leaves his two nephews, Jimmy Sulle and his wife Jennifer and Shawn Sulle and his wife, Jaimie, a niece, Missy Sulle and all their families, his father-in-law, John Fletcher and his former wife, Gail Varney. In addition to his parents Jim was predeceased by his sister, Janice Barbara Sulle. Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 5-8 pm at Watkins Funeral Home, 142 East Center St. Manchester. Funeral services will be on Saturday, May 17th at 9:30 am at the funeral home with burial to follow in St. Bridget Cemetery, Manchester. Memorial contributions may be made to Foodshare, 450 Woodland Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002 or to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, PO. Box 808, Hudson, MA 01749-0808. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com



Visitation DetailsFriday, May 16th, 2014 5:00pm - 8:00pm, Watkins Funeral Home
Service DetailsSaturday, May 17th, 2014 9:30am, Watkins Funeral Home
Interment DetailsSt. Bridget Cemetery