James Madison Varner

He was born in Huntington, West Virginia to Julius and Elsie Varner, the youngest of five children. Soon after, his family moved to Galesburg, Illinois where he spent all of his growing-up years. After giving his life to Jesus Christ and faithfully attending Sunday school and church all of his life, when he graduated from high school, he attended a seminary in southern Wisconsin to prepare himself for a life of service to the Lord.

However, Uncle Sam required his service in the military and he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed first in Newfoundland and later at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Georgia, where he met and married Martha Ann Brackin. His first daughter was born while the family was living in Valdosta.

Following his military service, Jim enrolled in and graduated from Florida State University in Tallahassee, and was named as a “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.” After graduation, he took a position as music teacher in Perry, Florida, where his second daughter was born. He later taught in Naples, Fl before settling down in North Fort Myers Florida, teaching in the Fort Myers public school system for many years.

Music was a central force in his life. Jim taught music, played several musical instruments including bells, sang in and directed choirs, sang with others in quartets as well as singing solos. He performed in operettas and cantatas.

Jim had a second career with Florida Rock, the position which brought him to Brooksville, Florida. He and his second wife Merle settled comfortably on an acreage outside Brooksville and have enjoyed living there for many years.

He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Martha Ann, and all of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-one years, Merle Richards Varner, his daughters Debbie (Matt) Bender, Angela Varner, Debbie Scannell, son Richard (Kelly) Kerr, his grandchildren Maggie Towns, Devlin Lewis, Nicole Kerr, Rikki Burkhart, and his niece Judy Prevost

Jim loved his family and was a devoted and caring husband. He was a godly Christian man, leading by example. Jim will be greatly missed by anyone who ever knew him.

Services will be held at Brooksville Wesleyan Church at 1:00 on Wednesday afternoon December 14. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brooksville Wesleyan Church, or to the charity of your choice