White Sulphur Springs-James P. Varner died peacefully at his home on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at the age of 64 after a long battle with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Jim was born June 7, 1951. He graduated from Anderson College in 1973 with degrees in Psychology and Sociology. He earned a M.A. in Counseling and Guidance from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies as well as a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from West Virginia University.
Jim was a great family man with a tremendous zeal for education and life in general. Beyond his family, being outdoors with his pets, running, reading, spontaneous road trips and spending time with his wife, Carol were some of his favorite joys in life.
Jim is survived by: his wife, Carol at home; children, Amy Conaway (Jason) of White Sulphur Springs, Julie Coffey (James) of Blythewood, SC, and Andrew Varner (Laura) of Lander, WY; siblings, Collet Varner (Nancy) of Winter Haven, FL, and Patty Davey (John) of Lansing, MI; grandchildren, Nathan Conaway, Emily Conaway, and Anna Coffey; multiple cherished brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dock and Mary Lou Varner of Charleston, WV.
A visitation was held on Monday evening, Oct. 5, at Shanklin Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs. His funeral was held Tuesday, Oct. 6, at First Presbyterian Church in White Sulphur Springs, where Rev. John Davey officiated. A graveside service and burial followed at Cunningham Memorial Park in St. Albans, where Rev. Collet Varner offiated.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to HospiceCare at 1265 Maplewood Avenue, Lewisburg, WV 24901.
