James Ellison Varn

August 11, 1937 – June 29, 2016

James was the son of the late Ellison Kossuth and Betty Martin Varn. Born in Brooksville, FL. He attended public school and married the love of his life, the late Cristal Armelia Varn. They were married 57 years before her death in 2013. "Jimmy" as he was known to his family and friends, was a 26 year veteran of the United States Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. After his return to Brooksville, he went to work for the Hernando County Animal Control and was there for 21 years. He was a well-known figure and even wrote his Mom a ticket for letting her dog run loose. Because of ill health, Jimmy had moved to Lake City, Florida to be close to family. He was a member of Pinegrove Baptist Church of Lake City. He is survived by his son, Barry E. (Beth) Varn of Gainesville, FL; brother, Daniel H. (Mary) Varn of Vernon, Florida; sister, Margie V. (David) Hogan of Lake City, FL; 2 granddaughters, Sarah & Stacy Varn of Gainesville, FL; aunt, Adelaide Hall; uncle, J.I. Martin both of Brooksville, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, today, July 9th, 2016 at Gulfridge Park Baptist Church, Brooksville, FL, with Rev. Michael Pope and Rev. Ron Thompson officiating. Interment services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.

Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 South US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL.  32025.