James Vargo

James J. Vargo, 96, of Central Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024 in St. Joseph, MO. James was born on May 24, 1928 in Cleveland, OH, the son of James J. Vargo Sr. and Mary (Makransky) Vargo. James married Rose Marie Krejci on October 23, 1948. 

James Vargo started his insurance career in 1950 with Metropolitan Life. He then went to work for Sentry Insurance in 1965. He was made Sales Manager a year later and retired from Sentry in 1990. James loved his insurance career. He enjoyed making calls and hiring people and watching them develop. He always believed people were the best part of his job. 

James and Rose had spent many summers in Northern Michigan, and after retiring in 1990 they moved to their home permanently in Central Lake, Michigan. During winter months they lived in Lillian. Alabama. James loved golfing, bingo, going to the casino, living on Intermediate Lake, hunting and cutting grass on his farm on Eckhardt Road and being with his family and friends. Most of all, he dearly loved Rose throughout the 69 years of their marriage. 

James was preceded in death by his wife, Rose (September 28, 2017), his parents and his sister, Theresa Genske.

Survivors include his children, James J Vargo III (Marie), David Vargo (Karleen) and Marianne Lukens (Matt); grandchildren Jason Vargo (Charlene), Kelly Vargo, Alex Lukens, Elizabeth Lukens and Jonathan Lukens; great-grandchildren Trevor and Carson; sister Mary Mudri and nieces (3) and nephew. 

Mass will be held on October 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at St. Luke Catholic Church in Bellaire, MI. Interment will follow in Southern Cemetery, Central Lake Township. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, St. Luke Catholic Church (Bellaire, MI) and Intermediate Lake Association.

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com