James (Jim) Darrin Varble, 55, of Lebanon, died Friday, July 16, 2021, at Osage Beach.
He was born on March 31, 1966, in Lebanon, Mo. to John L. and Janet (Finley) Varble.
On Sept. 17, 1996, he married Melaina (Uder) Varble, and the couple have been happily wed for 26 years.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Lee Varble; his grandparents, John and Eva Varble; grandparents Warren and Ann Finley, and his mother-in-law, Jackie Uder.
He attended Lebanon High School with the class of 1984. During his time in high school, he was active in many sports and activities. He started working as a custodian at Detroit Tool Engineering on June 4, 1984, where he was lovingly referred to as “Tadpole.’’ Jim later moved up to a toolmaker/master machinist position. He remained under employment there for 37 years. He was a third generation employee, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father. In his time there, he had made some lifelong friends, along with planting the seed of knowledge so his eldest son could continue the craft he was so passionate about. Some of his favorite hobbies included going fishing, hunting, camping, playing pool, bowling, tending a beautiful garden, cutting wood and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his sons.
Jim is survived by his wife Melaina; sons, Tyler and Riley of the home; mother and stepfather, Jay and Janet Engen of Nixa; his sister, Amy (Varble) Johnson of Nixa; nephews, Matt Johnson of Nixa, and Hayden and Reese Harrill of Lebanon; as well as countless other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life Gathering in honor of Jim Varble will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at Boat Town Brewing, 18146 Campground Road, Phillipsburg, Mo.
