James Hugh Darnley Jr.

June 27, 1944-May 20, 2026

James “Jim” Hugh Darnley, Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at home on May 20, 2026.

Jim was born in Bristol, Tennessee and grew up in Mobile, Alabama. A gifted athlete, he attended Theodore High School and lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track.

In 1966, Jim married the love of his life, Barbara Kay Bryars, who he met on what was described as a blind date, though Jim secretly scoped her out beforehand. Together they built a life grounded in devotion, faith, family, and service.

Jim earned a football scholarship to Tulane University, where he was a star running back from 1965 through 1967. He graduated from Tulane in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and later earned a Master of Science in Transportation Management from Florida Institute of Technology in 1981.

Following college graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country for more than two decades, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During the Vietnam War, he served with the 205th Assault Support Helicopter Company, known as the Geronimos, flying CH-47 Chinook helicopters in logistical and combat extraction missions.

His distinguished military service included assignments as an Instructor Pilot at Fort Rucker, Alabama, an Officer with the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and service with the Multinational Force & Observers in Egypt.

In 1983, Jim returned to Mobile to command the Military Traffic Management Command at the Port of Mobile. His final military assignment took him to Panama, where he managed terminal and cargo operations throughout Central and South America.

His military honors include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, and Master Army Aviator Badge, among numerous other commendations earned throughout his distinguished military career.

Following his military retirement, Jim began a successful second career with Ryan-Walsh Stevedoring and later SSA Marine, where he served as Vice President until his retirement in 2016.

Despite his distinguished careers, Jim’s greatest pride and most cherished roles were those of husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a man of deep kindness, generosity, and quiet strength. He spent his entire life caring for his disabled brother, Todd, and faithfully loved and cared for Barbara throughout their marriage and especially during her courageous battle with cancer until her passing in 2013. He adored his daughters and treasured his role as “Dee Dee” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Bryars Darnley; his parents, James and Ann Darnley; and his sister, Sharon Darnley Meador.

He is survived by his brother, Christopher Todd Darnley; his daughters, Lori (Pat) Downey and Lisa (Eric) Cooper; his grandchildren, Mason (Megan) Downey, Morgan (Pierre) Archaud, Mallory Downey, Bryars Cooper, Wes Cooper, and Sarah Cooper; and his great-grandchildren, Rylee and Maisie Downey.

Visitation will be held at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., at Ashland Place United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. A family graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Mulherin Home.