James Leon “Big Jim” Varnell, II, age 65, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022.

A lifelong resident of Pine Bluff, he was born October 27, 1956 to the late James Leon Varnell and Helen Bernice Smith Varnell. He graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1974 and attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

“Big Jim” worked as an engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. He also worked with his wife in the operation of Big Jim’s Waterbeds at Watson Chapel. He grew up in Olive Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Grace Wagnon Varnell, whom he married on November 5, 1976; two sons, James Varnell (Barbi) and John Varnell (Jennifer); five grandchildren, Lily Grace, Harper James, John Martin, and Reece Varnell and Alicia Wright; two great-grandchildren, Henry and Hudson; his best friend, Charley, his dog; and an adopted son, Juan Carlos Seib of Bogota, Colombia.

Funeral Services will be Monday, August 8, 2022, 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Brother Tony Williams officiating. Burial will be in Rowell Cemetery with Brother Matt Mosler officiating.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Robinson’s.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Home Again Pine Bluff, c/o Rob Withers, #44 Longmeadow, Pine Bluff, AR 71603.

For online condolences, please visit RalphRobinsonandSon.com