Battalion Chief James L. Varin Sr

Battalion Chief James L. Varin Sr., 52 of Smithfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving and devoted family on Monday, February 27, 2023 at home, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was the beloved husband of Paula (King) Varin.

Born in Providence, he was the devoted son of Robert “Pops” Varin and the late Liz (McKenna) Varin. 

Following in his father’s footsteps, Jim joined the Providence Fire Department at an early age. During his 31 years on the department, Jim rose to the ranks of Captain where he served recently on Ladder 3 at the Admiral Street station. This particular station held a special place in his heart as it was located in the neighborhood he had grown up in. He always said that being a firefighter was the greatest job in the world and that not many people could say that about their profession. He has been described by his peers as being a great mentor and an even nicer person who would give you the shirt off his back. 

Jim enjoyed the game of basketball and spent many of his younger days shooting hoops and perfecting his jump shot on the courts around the city. While attending Our Lady of Providence, Jim was named the Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year for basketball during both his junior and senior year. Jim was also named both First and Second Team All-State while at OLP. After high school, he continued playing while attending CCRI and then later alongside his fellow firefighters on the department team. As of late, Jim loved cheering on the Providence College Men’s basketball team. 

Besides his wife and father, he is survived by his loving sons, James Varin Jr. and Tyler Varinand step-daughters, Addison and Mackenzie Musto. He cheered on both his boys through countless ice hockey games and the girls from the soccer sidelines both near and far. He is also survived by his cherished siblings, Robert Varin(Donna), Michael Varin, Lisa Janbullat (Sam), Joe Varin and Nicole Varin-Fortunato (Filipe). Family time for Jim was paramount and his presence at frequent family gatherings will be deeply missed. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 6th at 11am in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Cathedral Square, Providence. Burial will be private. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made at any Navigant Credit Union branch to the James “Jimmy” Varin Memorial Scholarship Fund.