Darrell James
Darrell Paul James, 77, of Bolivar, died Oct. 6, 2011, at Aultman Hospital, Canton, following a period of declining health.
A son of the late Jesse R. and Mucie Ellen James, Darrell was born March 22, 1934, in Mt. Clare, W.Va. He was a graduate of Lost Creek High School, West Virginia, and soon met and fell in love with the former Betty Swiger. The couple was married by Darrell’s uncle, Raymond Barbe, on Nov. 12, 1953.
Soon after, Darrell entered the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. During this time, he received his training as a welder and put this skill to work following his discharge. For 13 years, he was employed as a welder for the Timken Company prior to beginning what was a 20-year teaching career as a welding instructor with Fairless and then Canton South schools.
Darrell enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and as time went by, he lovingly embraced the role of grandad, taking every opportunity to spend even more time with his family as it grew. Following his retirement, he changed mediums and began to work with wood and set up a woodshop at his home, becoming very skilled at making beautiful pieces crafted from wood. Darrell attended Bolivar United Methodist Church, where he was a very active member.
He and Betty enjoyed traveling, having taken memorable trips to New Zealand, Australia, and to the British Isles, where his family name originated. Darrell also continued his service to his country by being an active member of American Legion Post 190, Bolivar, and Dover VFW Post 3463. He proudly served as a member of the funeral detail team and by his count had provided final military honors to more than 200 fallen comrades.
Darrell will be missed by his wife of 57 years, Betty James; daughter, CWO3, Kathryn James Brown, USMC Ret. of Groveland, Fla.; sons, Jesse (Candi) James and SFC Darrell “Pete” (Brenda) James, both of Bolivar, and William (DeLynn) James of Anchorage, Alaska; sister, Dixie Swiger of Mt. Clare, W.Va.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith), Joshua (Sarah), Mallory (Joshua), Bryce, Lauren (Josh), Reed, Kate, Kelley, and Savannah; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime Army buddies, John and Ruth Little of Lincolnton, N.C., and George Walker of New Jersey.
He was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Pat James; and brother-in-law, Gary Swiger.
Memorial services will be held Oct. 22, at 11 a.m., at Bolivar United Methodist Church, with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. Following services, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the church social hall, where a memorial reception will be shared. The family will greet guests one hour prior services.
Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing his online registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Family requests memorial contributions be directed to Bolivar United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 435, Bolivar 44612.
A son of the late Jesse R. and Mucie Ellen James, Darrell was born March 22, 1934, in Mt. Clare, W.Va. He was a graduate of Lost Creek High School, West Virginia, and soon met and fell in love with the former Betty Swiger. The couple was married by Darrell’s uncle, Raymond Barbe, on Nov. 12, 1953.
Soon after, Darrell entered the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during the Korean War. During this time, he received his training as a welder and put this skill to work following his discharge. For 13 years, he was employed as a welder for the Timken Company prior to beginning what was a 20-year teaching career as a welding instructor with Fairless and then Canton South schools.
Darrell enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and as time went by, he lovingly embraced the role of grandad, taking every opportunity to spend even more time with his family as it grew. Following his retirement, he changed mediums and began to work with wood and set up a woodshop at his home, becoming very skilled at making beautiful pieces crafted from wood. Darrell attended Bolivar United Methodist Church, where he was a very active member.
He and Betty enjoyed traveling, having taken memorable trips to New Zealand, Australia, and to the British Isles, where his family name originated. Darrell also continued his service to his country by being an active member of American Legion Post 190, Bolivar, and Dover VFW Post 3463. He proudly served as a member of the funeral detail team and by his count had provided final military honors to more than 200 fallen comrades.
Darrell will be missed by his wife of 57 years, Betty James; daughter, CWO3, Kathryn James Brown, USMC Ret. of Groveland, Fla.; sons, Jesse (Candi) James and SFC Darrell “Pete” (Brenda) James, both of Bolivar, and William (DeLynn) James of Anchorage, Alaska; sister, Dixie Swiger of Mt. Clare, W.Va.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith), Joshua (Sarah), Mallory (Joshua), Bryce, Lauren (Josh), Reed, Kate, Kelley, and Savannah; numerous nieces and nephews; and longtime Army buddies, John and Ruth Little of Lincolnton, N.C., and George Walker of New Jersey.
He was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Pat James; and brother-in-law, Gary Swiger.
Memorial services will be held Oct. 22, at 11 a.m., at Bolivar United Methodist Church, with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. Following services, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the church social hall, where a memorial reception will be shared. The family will greet guests one hour prior services.
Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing his online registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Family requests memorial contributions be directed to Bolivar United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 435, Bolivar 44612.
Published: October 11, 2011
