James E. Varnum was born August 23, 1933 in Sioux City, Iowa and was adopted by Eugene and Elizabeth Varnum. He died July 7, 2013 at Centerville Care Center at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 14 days. Jim lived in Sioux City until 1945 when they moved to the Golden Rod farm on Frog Creek Road near Centerville. He attended Frog Creek Country School and graduated from Wakonda High School. Jim lived on the farm with his parents where his father taught him to shear sheep. Jim was a hard worker and continued to shear sheep all his adult life. He moved off the farm with his parents in 1960 into Centerville. After his parents passed away, he continued to live in Centerville. Jim liked to collect pocket knives and watches. He enjoyed taking friends to Bingo and visiting with friends at his many coffee stops in the surrounding communities. Jim's church was always very important to him. He attended every Sunday (even if church had been called off due to the weather). If you were in church with Jim you knew how much he loved to sing - especially the old hymns. His parents and sister, Judith preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his brother-in-law, Verlyn Hybertson; two nephews, Robert (Rebecca) Hybertson of Brighton, CO and Donald Hybertson of Sioux Falls; two nieces, Bonnie Rowland of Vermillion and Connie Fenenga of Rapid City; five great-nieces and nephews, aunt, Marjorie Skotvold of Centerville; and cousins and many friends. The family wishes to thank all of the staff at the Centerville Care Center and Asera Care Hospice for the wonderful way they helped Jim the past 6 months and suggests memorials be directed to Centerville Care Center, 500 Vermillion St., Centerville, SD 57014. Funeral services will be 10AM Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at Wass Funeral Home in Centerville. Visitation will be 5:30-7PM Tuesday at Wass Funeral Home in Centerville.