Darrell Paul James

Darrell Paul James, age 77, of Bolivar died early Thursday, October 6, 2011 in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a period of declining health.A son of the late Jesse R. and Mucie Ellen Prince James, Darrell was born at Mount Clare, West Virginia, on March 22, 1934.He was a graduate of Lost Creek High School at West Virginia. He soon met and fell in love with the former Betty Swiger. The couple was married by Darrell’s uncle, Raymond Barbe, at Mount Clare Methodist Church on November 12, 1953.Soon after, Darrell entered into the United States 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 and 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 the American Legion Post #190 at Bolivar and the 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; a daughter, CWO3, Kathryn James Brown, USMC Ret. of Groveland, Florida; three sons, Jesse (Candi) James, SFC Darrell “Pete” (Brenda) James who served in the Army, all of Bolivar, and William (DeLynn) James of Anchorage, Alaska; and a sister, Dixie Swiger of Mount Clare, West Virginia.Nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith), Joshua (Sarah), Mallory (Joshua), Bryce, Lauren, Reed, Kate, Kelley, and Savannah and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family. Also surviving are longtime Army buddies, John and Ruth Little of Lincolnton, North Carolina and George Walker of New Jersey.In addition to his parents, Darrell was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Pat James and a brother-in-law, Gary Swiger.The family will greet guests one hour prior to a memorial service at the Bolivar United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 22, 2011, from 10:00 â?? 11:00 AM. Pastor Linda Hall will lead the service celebrating Darrell’s life at 11 AM in the church sanctuary. Following the service, Darrell’s comrades will gather at the church’s flagpole to provide him with a final military salute in gratitude of his service to our Country. 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 requests memorial contributions be directed to the Bolivar United Methodist Church, PO BOX 435, Bolivar, Ohio 44612.