Gregory Darby

DARBY, Gregory James (Jim) born September 24, 1919, in Irwin, PA to Helen and Gregory Darby passed away peacefully October 27, 2010. Jim is the handsome and larger-than-life husband of Elizabeth Lillian (Betty) Darby and the mother to Patricia Allene Stephenson (Larry), Kathleen Anne Branam (Gary), Mary Elizabeth Miller (Tom), Leslie Tamara Schroeder (Mike). Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend Betty, his daughter, Beverly Jean Darby, son, Gregory James Darby, two grandsons Christian Darby Stephenson and Michael Donovan Cousins, and three siblings: sisters Mary Alice Rauch and Cassie Meinert and brother Gregory Darby. Jim has nine grandchildren: Kimberly Huether (Billy), Michael Cousins (Tina), Jeremy Cousins (Lori), Jennifer Sanders (Don), Benjamin Miller (Tanya), and Travis and Hunter Barron. Jim has twelve great grandchildren: Katherine, Kristen, William and Sarah Huether; Hailey and Christian Stephenson; Tyler and Emma Cousins; Kendall Cousins; and Darby, Logan, and Curtis Sanders.

Jim graduated from Norwin High School in Irwin, PA and St. Francis Catholic University in Loretto, PA. He attended Stetson University College of Law in Deland, FL and practiced law until he was 85. He was a Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves where he served as a Naval Aviator in both World War II and the Korean War. Although he flew several types of planes, he had an affinity for flying Corsairs. He loved basketball and prior to serving in the military, he briefly played semi-professional basketball. He had many passions including family, his catholic faith, golf, Florida Gator Football, traveling, music, riding his tractor, sports, boating, grilling steaks, and NASCAR; however, what he enjoyed the most was spending time, holding hands and smooching with his beloved wife Betty. He was a very sentimental man who devoted his life to creating a vibrant family life for his children, grand children and great grand children. He was generous with his time and embraced opportunities to mentor and teach extended family and friends, always considering them one of his own. He represented well what is known as the Greatest Generation. He will be dearly remembered and greatly missed.

Family and Friends are invited to a Memorial Catholic Mass on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5752 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the San Lorenzo Cemetery Beautification and Restoration Fund, 1635 U.S. 1 South, St. Augustine, FL., 32084. Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park. FL 32073