James Vartmann, 73, of Leesburg, FL, passed away on December 18, 2018. He was born June 22, 1945 to Cecelia Murphy in St Paul, MN.
James graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1963 and joined the Army from 1964-1967. He served in Vietnam. James was employed by North Central Airlines/Republic Airlines from 1967-1986. He married Susan Franz on May 1, 1971.
In 1986 when Northwest Airlines bought Republic Airlines he quit his job and went to work as an independent contractor as an airlines computer programmer. He contracted with Eastern, US Air, Amtrak, and worked for Air Canada off and on for 10 years. He was very active with the Eagan Lions Club in Minnesota. Jim and Sue lived in Eagan MN, Burnsville, MN and moved to Orlando in 1987.
After retirement they moved to the Plantation at Leesburg in 2006. Jim loved playing poker with neighbors and going on cruises.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years Susan Franz Vartmann and sisters Joann Urban, Lucille Holman and brother Bill Vartmann.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 30th from 2 – 3 p.m. at Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, 1123 W. Main Street, Leesburg, FL 34748. A service will follow at 3 p.m. with Deacon Ron L’Huillier. There will also be Military Honors with the service. A private burial will be on December 31st.