James "Jim" Ronald Varnell

James Ronald Varnell December 10, 1962 – February 2, 2016 James “Jim” Ronald Varnell, 53, of Elm City passed away Tuesday. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. He loved and cared deeply for his family, and was indelibly present in their lives. Jim enjoyed all of life’s everyday conversations, being a father and supporting his daughters’ pursuits, cracking jokes to make his wife laugh, and surprising his family with encouraging notes and detours for milkshakes. Jim was a quiet, steady man with a sense of humor. He loved his community and never hesitated to drop whatever he was doing to lend a helping hand to someone else in need. He always had time to listen, and made a point to visit with people frequently and often unannounced. Jim was a dedicated member of Wilbanks Christian Church; he loved God, his church family, and listening to the choir and sermons. Jim was an active member of the Bakertown Volunteer Fire Department for nearly 22 years. He was also a volunteer EMT with Elm City EMS for many years, and continued responding to emergency medical calls with Bakertown VFD. Helping people was his passion. When asked, Jim said the most beautiful place he had ever been was right here at home – the farm where he grew up and raised his family. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Amber Irvine Varnell of the home, and his daughters, Misty Varnell and Dana Varnell both of Elm City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Dee Varnell and Jeanne Riffle Varnell, and his sister, Rhonda Varnell Taylor. His funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wilbanks Christian Church, 6128 NC Hwy 42 East, Elm City. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. The Rev. Bobby White and Rev. Dwight Batts will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson, and other times at the home. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to Wilbanks Christian Church, 6128 NC Hwy 42 East, Elm City, NC 27822 or Bakertown Volunteer Fire Department, 6505 Webb Lake Rd, Elm City, NC 27822. Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.