James F. Varley

James “Jim” Varley passed away September 7th at St Luke’s Hospital in Twin Falls. Jim was born December 8th, 1930 in Buhl, Idaho. He was raised by his family in Pocatello, Idaho. As a young man he enjoyed fishing, hunting and anything outdoors. He decided as a young man to join the Navy. He was accepted to the Naval Reserve Officer’s Training Course (NROTC) program at the University of Idaho in Moscow. While attending the University of Idaho Jim was promoted to the Captain of his NROTC unit. He was also elected President of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity where he lived. Jim graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. While attending school, Jim met and married Mary “Peggy” Densow on June 10th, 1953. Upon graduation from the University of Idaho, Jim entered the Navy as an Ensign. Early on in his career, he served in the Korean Conflict. He was selected to serve as a Submariner and trained in Groton, Connecticut. Jim rose to position of Captain of the USS Catfish, SSN 339. While captain of the Catfish; Jim received the Legion of Merit for a mission off the coast of Vietnam. Jim was promoted to Commander of Submarine Division 31 with six submarines under his command. He rose to the rank of Captain and commanded the USS Wichita AOR-1 an Ammunition/Oil/Replenishment ship. His next assignment was as the Captain of Service Squadron 3 overseeing eight AOR ships. After 24 years of service, Jim retired with an Honorable Discharge in August of 1976. Jim and Peggy then moved to Twin Falls where Jim became a gentleman farmer, a cellist in the Magic Valley Symphony, an actor in the Dilettantes and an avid sportsman. Jim called on his skills as a writer and went on to write several books and became an active supporter of the Twin Falls Public Library. Jim and Peggy were blessed with three children; Kirstin (Craig), Campbell, James (Lynn)Varley and Karin (Dennis) Ramasco. Jim & Peggy’s children have blessed them with 12 grandchildren and an ever growing number of great-grandchildren. Jim’s skills as a fisherman were shared with his children and grandchildren as they came to visit Jim and Peggy at their fishing cabin in Mackay, Idaho. Jim taught them everything from baiting a hook to cleaning the catch. Jim’s patience and love for his grandchildren has created a legacy of family members who love the outdoors as Jim had. Jim was an intelligent, compassionate man who served his country in times of crisis and peace. He bore his Parkinson’s discomfort with bravery and honor. He lived with his wife of 59 years until his last few days on this earth. He died peacefully with his wife, children and their spouses at his side. A graveside service will be held at West End Cemetery in Buhl on Tuesday, September 11th at 2 pm. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Twin Falls Public Library Foundation or the Twin Falls Nazarene Church. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of Jim at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com