James L. “Jimmy” Varin Sr. was born on May 7, 1970, in Providence, Rhode Island. 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 in the department, Jim rose to the rank of captain, where he served on Ladder 3 at the Admiral Street station. This station held a special place in his heart, as it was located in the neighborhood where he grew up. 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 a great mentor and an even nicer person who would give you the shirt off his back.

Jim enjoyed 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 years. Jim was also named First and Second Team All-State while at OLP. He continued playing in college and later alongside his fellow firefighters on the department’s team.

In early 2022, as he was preparing to take the steps required to become a battalion chief, Jim was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Throughout his battle, Jim continued to want to help other people as he always did. He reiterated that he wanted to do what he could to help patients and their families in similar situations, while simultaneously fighting this terrible disease. The James “Jimmy” Varin Memorial Scholarship Fund was created, and a partnership developed with the Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation to help raise money and awareness for brain cancer research and to provide resources to families of those suffering.

On Monday, February 27, 2023, Jim passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He was the beloved husband of Paula (King) Varin.

Besides his wife and father, he is survived by his loving sons, James Varin Jr. and Tyler Varin, and his stepdaughters, 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. Family time for Jim was paramount, and his presence at frequent family gatherings is deeply missed.