James Allen "Jimmy" Varnell, 64, of Bay/Waveland, MS passed away Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Bay St. Louis. Jimmy was born and raised in Waveland, MS. He was a member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, member of the International, Mississippi, and National Association Chiefs of Police, and Fraternal Order of Police. Jimmy dedicated his life to public service for his beloved community of Waveland. He first served as a volunteer fireman with Waveland Fire Department under Chief Kenneth Fayard, worked part time as a Hancock County Sheriff Deputy, then became a patrolman for the Waveland Police Department under Chief Donald A. Dorn. He was in the DUI unit reaching The 400 Club. He continued his rise in the ranks becoming an investigator. Then became the "Drug Czar"/ Chief Narcotics Investigator. He was named Chief of Police in 1992 under Mayor Stella Frilot and served until August, 2011 under Mayor Tommy Longo. Throughout all of this he was always dedicated to his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar A. & Margaret Zimmerman Varnell; and brother Ed Varnell.
Survived by his wife Michelle Field Varnell of Bay St. Louis, MS; son-in-law who he loved like a son and daughter, Eric & Jennifer Varnell Kinard of Waveland, MS; two brothers, Joseph Clara and his two sons of Alabama; and Dan Varnell of New York; sister-in-law Christine Field; mother-in-law Sheri Field; two nephews, Anthony Field (Alyssa) and Joseph Field (Aileen); niece, Felicia Hynes (Ben) all of Waveland, MS; very beloved grand niece Ellen Field & grand nephew Michael Field.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis. The family will receive guests two hours prior to mass. Interment will be at Waveland Cemetery. Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis is in charge of arrangements.