James Vargo

LIFESTORY:

Jim Vargo was first and foremost a family man, dedicated to his wife, his children, and his granddaughter. He fulfilled his responsibilities quietly, working hard and setting a good example for those who knew him. He had a deep respect and appreciation for nature, enjoying the solitude the outdoors provided him. He was loyal through thick and thin, a trait that was perhaps made most obvious by his unbending devotion to the Chicago Cubs.

1935 was a good year for the Cubs. They had an incredible 21-game winning streak to snatch the National League Pennant from the St. Louis Cardinals and face the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. It was also a good year for James and Viola (Batt) Vargo as they celebrated the arrival of their fourth child, Jim. Born on July 18 in South Bend, Jim had three older sisters who alternately watched out for and tormented him like big sisters will.

Jim's father supported the family by working at the Studebaker factory in South Bend. The family was fortunate to have a steady income during those years of the Great Depression and World War II. Jim was only ten years old when the war was finally over, but he undoubtedly remembered the relief and joy that flooded the nation at the announcement of Hitler's defeat and later Japan's surrender in 1945. When Jim was twelve, his dad decided that his family could use more fresh air and room to run, so they moved to a small farm in the country. Jim's parents sent him to parochial schools until junior high, then to Green Township High School where he graduated.

One evening, Jim was driving past the theatre in town when he noticed a couple of young ladies walking down the street, presumably returning home after a show. One of the girls was named Norma Boldt. He offered her a ride, but she refused. He followed them home, then later called Norma and asked her out on a date. This time she consented, and they hit it off right away. After dating for about a year and a half, the young couple married on July 20, 1957, at Our Lady Catholic Church in South Bend. They spent nearly fifty years together, sharing heartaches and joys and raising two wonderful children.

Jim worked as a police office in Dowagiac for a couple of years, then for the benefit of his family he looked for employment with better pay and benefits. He was hired as a security guard for Fisher Body at what was at the time their new plant in Kalamazoo. Jim worked there faithfully for twenty-six years until his retirement in 1992.

Jim adored his family. He not only worked hard to provide for their needs, but also dedicated much of his spare time to them. The area where they lived had a number of lakes nearby and Jim frequently took the family on fishing trips. He always made sure that each family member knew how special they were to him, demonstrated, for example, by the way he made Mark's first hunting trip memorable and unique. His love multiplied with the growth of the family. When he first held Julie's daughter Jenna in his arms, the look of indescribable pride and joy on his face spoke volumes. As she grew, her Papa always had time for a chess game or just to sit and watch TV with her.

Jim appreciated time alone to think and relax. He loved tending his garden and for years he grew pumpkins, sweet corn, and other vegetables. He and Norma made a good team, and she would sell his produce at their stand near the road. They also established their own little business called the Sale Barn. He and Norma enjoyed visiting auctions together looking for items for resale. As with his vegetables, he liked doing the behind-the-scenes work, organizing the barn and finding the items, and leaving the selling up to Norma.

Besides his garden and the Sale Barn, Jim had several hobbies that kept him occupied. Jim enjoyed being out of doors and spent time hunting and fishing. He was a member of the NRA and was proud of his gun collection. He saw the value of studying history and appreciated Westerns and war movies. He enjoyed studying the Civil War and collected related items, including a sword and musket. He was also an animal lover, especially dogs. At one time he was involved with breeding German Shepherds and was fond of Chihuahuas.

Jim was a life-long fan of the Chicago Cubs, despite the fact that they hadn't won a World Series since well before he was born and their last visit to the championship occurred when he was ten years old. He followed faithfully on the radio and television, seeing such greats as Hall of Famers Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ryne Sandberg. Of course, Harry Caray's rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch was a highlight for several of those years and everybody looked forward to his “Holy cow,” after a Cubbies homerun.

Jim died on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was able to enjoy a Cubs game that day, listening to the broadcast as Chicago earned a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburg Pirates.

Members of Jim's family include his wife, Norma; his children, Mark of Three Rivers and Julie Courtney of Vicksburg; a granddaughter, Jenna Courtney; a sister, Mary Ann Klebusits of South Bend; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a niece, Geraldine (Flatoff) Miller; a nephew ; Danny Flatoff, two sisters, Esther Flatoff and Lillian Rokop; and son-in-law, Larry Courtney.

Learn more about Jim, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Wednesday, April 20, from 5-7 p.m. at the ™ - RDMG Life Story Funeral Home, Portage Chapel. Funeral services will be held at the same location at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 21. Please visit Jim's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial donation to Rose Arbor Hospice.