James H. "Jim" Varnon

RICHLAND HILLS -- James H. "Jim" Varnon Sr., 83, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, after a lengthy illness. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst. Private burial service will take place in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas. The Rev. Don Anderson will officiate. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Hospice. Jim was born July 14, 1930, to James A. Varnon and Lena Newman Varnon, he was the oldest of three sons. He was a veteran of the Air Force and served in Korea. Jim was a man of many talents. He was a pilot, fixed-wing and helicopter. He was a licensed A&P mechanic and retired from the Dallas ISD as an instructor of aeronautics where he changed the lives of many young students so that they could aspire to a career in aviation. He was a supervisor of aviation (helicopter) maintenance at Fort Rucker, Ala., and was a past member of North American Austin Healey Club. Jim attained first place in national competition for the complete (ground-up) restoration of a 1963 Austin Healey. Survivors: A loving husband, he is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gloria; children, James Varnon, Michael Varnon and Patricia Malcomesius and husband, Rusty; grandsons, Andrew Malcomesius and Michael Malcomesius; great-granddaughter, Claire Malcomesius; and brother, Roland Gerald Varnon of San Antonio. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James H. "Jim" Varnon please visit our Sympathy Store.