South Bend - Jim Vargo, 65, peacefully passed away in his workshop near the wood burning stove he enjoyed every day after work.

Jim was born November 13, 1955 in South Bend to the late Frances & Alycce (Ciesielski) Vargo.

Left to cherish the memory of Jim is his loving wife Kathleen (Budny) Vargo; daughter, Candace (Andy) Peregrine; grandchildren, Andi Peregrine, Lillian (Garrett) Dildy, Gabriel Peregrine, Lilah Peregrine; brother, Dennis (Margie) Vargo; sisters, Jeri (Mike) Bryan, Bonnie Bryant; mother-in-law, Lucille Budny; niece, Jessica & nephews, Ron, Mike, Jason, Patrick, Alex &Winston.

Jim enjoyed carpentry, fishing, and garage sales. He liked to decorate the family home for EVERY holiday, especially pumpkin carving. He was self-taught in many trades. First and foremost, Jim was the best Grandpa, he couldn't wait to encourage his grandkids in their endeavors and inform them about his latest "get rich quick" schemes. Jim's "honey-do" list was long, but he was pampered with coffee and a home-made lunch ready to go with him EVERY morning. He deeply loved his grandchildren and made each of them feel extra special in his “bestest, mostest, specular way”, with handmade trophies made from treasures found when hunting garage sales. He loved finding antique tools to use, and playing "rummy" with his mother-in-law every night. Most of all he looked forward to the annual week at Diamond Lake with his entire family and awarding the "Golden Hook" for the biggest fish caught that year.

Visitation for Jim will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 8, 2021 in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 9, 2021 with a one-hour visitation prior to the service in the Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net

06/05/2021 JFC