James E. "Jim" Vargos

Rock Hill, SC – Mr. James E. (Jim) Vargos, 93, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2022.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 2:00 pm at West End Baptist Church, 1727 McConnells Highway, Rock Hill, SC 29732, with Pastor Jay Rebsamen officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30-1:30 pm at the church. Interment will follow the service at Grandview Memorial Park-Cherry Road. The service will be live-streamed on westendbaptist.org or the West End Baptist Church Facebook page.

A native of Acushnet, Massachusetts, Jim was the son of the late Joseph E. Vargos and the late Nancy W. Vargos. He graduated from New Bedford Vocational High School, after which time he served his country in the United States Navy. Upon his discharge, he was employed at the Charleston Naval Shipyard until his acceptance to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. He retired as a F/SGT, Supervisor of Personnel and was stationed in York County. During his tenure on the highway patrol, and in addition to his regular patrol and supervisory duties, he was selected to serve as an instructor in the Highway Patrol Training Classes held at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. He taught accident investigation, court room procedure, and pursuit and defensive driving. He served on the District Four Riot Squad and was named District Four Patrolman of the Year in 1975. After his retirement, he continued employment with Carolina AAA Motor Club as a sales representative. After leaving the Motor Club, he accepted employment with the York County School District #3 as a school bus driver for a period of twelve years. He later worked for the City of Charlotte, NC as a shuttle bus driver at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Jim was an active member of West End Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities as a member of the Choir, Land Search Committee and Chairman of the initial Building Committee.

Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda Gainey Vargos, sister, Dorothy V. Garner of Watkinsonville, CA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel S. Vargos and Joseph E. Vargos, Jr., and his sister, Nancy V. Collins.

Memorials may be made in Jim's name to West End Baptist Church, 1727 McConnells Highway, Rock Hill, SC 29732 or Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 or charity of one's choice.

Condolences may be made to the Vargos family at www.greenefuneralhome.net.