James H Darling

James H. Darling, age 76, passed away peacefully, embraced in God's Love, on March 11. He was a proud Army Vet during the Vietnam era, a life-long Yankee fan and a member of the "Bills Mafia."

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 50 years, Patricia (Tyrrell) Darling; Children Michael Darling, Jaimee (Michael) Riddell, Niece and Daughter-of-His-Heart JoAnn Tyrrell (Todd) Shero; Grandchildren Hannah, Joshua, Michael, Matthew, and Jamison; Carole (Joseph) Welker and family; Sister-in-law Nancy Tyrrell, Nieces, Nephews and many good friends. He is also mourned by his faithful dog, Annie

James, Jim, Jimmy, Papa.... A man who loved and served God, his Country, family, friends, and neighbors. His acts of courage, faith, devotion, kindness, humor and grace touched us all. We will each find an easy smile and helping hand to carry forward whenever he is in our thoughts. It would be impossible for us not to.

He was a "closet ham." Whether it was a silly prank on April 1, or a funny face, noise, or expression any other day of the year, he made us all smile and laugh, most especially the babies and little ones.... Any time, anywhere.. Gentle, warm, lighthearted, and sweet, he couldn't resist the pure joy he felt from making others smile- and boy was he good at it!

You may have even met him in character along the way, as Popeye, Donald Duck, Santa on Christmas Eve, or Baby Huey on Halloween.

Here are a few other things that meant so much to him , and some reminders of fond memories we shared:

- Animals, especially his faithful dog Annie. She held such a special place in his heart and was always by his side, even when she howled along to every singing of "Happy Birthday."
- Pranking his poor, sweet Mother-in-Law, with love, back in the day, whenever he had the chance.
- Keeping traditions alive, especially Holidays
- Having enough to provide for others in need.
- Expressing his thanks to other Veterans and remembering POW MIA soldiers.
- Everything that the game of Baseball had to offer, as an All Star player, long time Coach, Umpire, and as a fan.
- Enjoying the water with his family and friends.. Whether it was cannon balls in the pool, to fishing a new spot on the lake, to the grandkids sitting on his lap steering the boat, it was always sure to be fun and memorable for all of us, and even more special to him.
- Keeping things in order, his shoes shined to a glass finish
- Bowling
- Lobster, steak, clams, scallops, shrimp
- Lottery tickets
- Camping and RV shows
- Popsicles and Animal Crackers
- Collecting Baseball Cards
- Muppets and the Rainbow Connection.
- Spooks, Bananas, Itty Bitty Buddy
- Fuzzy Wuzzy
- Criss-Cross Applesauce
- He always brought his "A" game to Yahtzee, Scrabble, Euchre and Spades. After all, the next game was probably for the championship of the universe..


If this was Papas toast to give, he'd surely conclude it by saying something like "don't let your meat loaf..." or "here's looking up your assets.

Jimmy will never be forgotten, always be missed, and forever loved. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of His Life will be held at a future date.
Anyone wishing to donate in Jim's honor, please contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project.