James Edward Varner

James "Jim" Varner, 91, passed away on March 14, 2026, and was welcomed into Heaven.

He was born on May 31, 1934, in Cleveland, TN, a son of the late Joseph and Blanche Varner, and was also preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, JoElla Varner; their sons, James and Gene Varner; their daughter, Kim Gregg; his sisters, Virginia Woody, Willa Dean Varner, and Patricia Thomas; his half-sisters, Peggy Varner and Judy Morrison; and one brother, Bill Varner.

Jim was co-owner, along with his late wife JoElla, of Cleveland RV for over 40 years. In his earlier days, he enjoyed camping and fishing in Tellico, attending the dirt track races at Cleveland Speedway, and he loved watching Nascar. Some of his favorite times were spent hunting with his son-in-law and grandsons. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and an abundance of love and dedication that will be cherished by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Vicki Cavett (Jack); son-in-law, Mike Gregg; grandsons, Jackson Cavett (Brandy), Jason Cavett (Brandi), James Gregg (Katie), and Nathan Gregg (Rachel); nine great-grandchildren; two half-brothers, Tim Varner (Christina) and Darrell Varner (Luann); and two half-sisters, Debbie Anderson (James) and Carla Dixon.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 18th, from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the Shelli Cody Memorial Sanctuary located in the Ridge Chapel of Companion Funeral Home at 2412 Georgetown Road in Cleveland, TN. A Remembrance of Life Service will begin at 1:00pm with Tanner Calfee officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest next to his loving wife at Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Jackson Cavett, Jason Cavett, Kasey Cavett, Mike Gregg, James Gregg, Reese Gregg, and Tim Varner serving as pallbearers.

You are encouraged to share a memory of James and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist his family with these arrangements.