James Varian

VARIAN, James Houston- Age 89, of Hendersonville, TN went to be with the Lord on February 12, 2012. He was born on September 22, 1922, in Los Angeles, CA to Frank and Mabel Varian. He is preceded in death by his brothers Jack and Bud, and sister Beverly. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Dixie D. Varian; son, Nathan J. Varian of Clarkville, TN; daughter, Amanda Bob Sauer of Hendersonville, TN; grandchildren, Hope Varian, and Cory, Victoria, Kendall, and Jamie Sauer. James enlisted in the Navy in 1941. He flew as a bombardier in Fleet Airwing 7, Squadron VPB-103 during World War II while stationed at Newfoundland and Dunkeswell, England; then sailed on aircraft carriers – USS Midway, USS Coral Sea, and USS Hancock. He retired in 1960 as a Chief Petty Officer. While enlisted, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross Award, 3 Air Medals, and 3 Letters of Commendation for outstanding military service. James graduated in 1965 from William Carey College where he received his B.A. in Bible Studies, and did postgraduate work at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. After his studies, he worked with the Christian Servicemen's Center in Clarksville, TN and Ft. Campbell, KY. He later worked as a Social Worker in Clarksville, TN and Tylertown, MS. He also worked in Florida at the Sunstate Federal Credit Union and with his ministry, Campers on Mission. James and Dixie moved to Tennessee in 1998 to be close to their grandchildren. He became a member of Bluegrass Baptist Church and later a member of First Baptist Church of Hendersonville. James was a handyman, and a loving father, husband, and grandfather who referred to death as his "homegoing." A Homegoing Celebration will be held Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church Hendersonville with Brother Harold Witmer officiating. Interment will follow at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 4 until 7 p.m. at HENDERSONVILLE FUNERAL HOME 353 Johnny Cash Pkwy. Hendersonville, TN 615 824-3855 www.hendersonvillefh.com