"Jim always headed up our high school class reunions. What a sweet guy! We will surely miss him. I send you sincere wishes of comfort at this sad time."
In loving memory of
James "Jim" Darling
February 22, 1937 - April 12, 2017
James Darling, of Antigo, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at his home. He was 80 years old. He was born on February 22, 1937 in Antigo, a son of James and Maude Alice (Kolerus) Darling. He married Jeanne Pavlichek on August 25, 1962 at St. Wencel Catholic Church, Neva. She survives.
He was a graduate of Antigo High School with the class of 1955. He served as class treasurer for reunions for the past 62 years.
He served in the United Air Force from 1955 until discharge in 1959. Following military service he began working with Liberty Loan in Wausau and was later employed at Dewey Johnson Chevrolet in Antigo as an accountant for 19 years. He was the Office Manager for Duffek Sand and Gravel and Antigo Construction. He retired in 1998. In his retirement he did bookwork for AC Liquidators for several years.
Mr. Darling was a member of St. John Catholic Parish, having served as usher, and was a member and past president of the Board of Education. He was a charter member of the Antigo Optimist Club where he served as president of the local club and Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Wisconsin District. Jim was instrumental in starting the Antigo Youth Hockey Association where he coached and served as president and treasurer. He was a member and treasurer of the Langlade County Historical Society and the Upper Clear Lake Association and was currently serving as alderman on the Antigo Common Council representing the second ward. He volunteered for the Salvation Army as a bell ringer and was a member of United Commercial Travelers.
Jim valued starting each day visiting with the coffee group at Dixie Lunch.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, summers at the lake, spending time with family and attending his grandchildren's activities.
Survivors including his wife are a daughter, Janelle Darling, Lakeville, MN; two sons, Jay (Debra) Darling, Antigo, Jon (Kimberly) Darling, Wausau; five grandchildren Brittany Darling, Eau Claire, Nicholas Darling (Paige Pelky), Antigo, Brandyn, Benjamin and Bailee Darling, Wausau; one great-grandson Grayson Darling; a sister, Bonnie (Bob) Atkins, Sault St. Marie, MI; a sister-in-law Joan Pavlichek, River Falls; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step father, Charles Strong; a brother-in-law Earl Pavlichek.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday April 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place at Queen of Peace Cemetery mausoleum where the Antigo Veterans will conduct military rites.
Visitation will be 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday also at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Jeanne So sorry about Jim. I am at my Daughters home in California and will be unable to attend funeral services. Jim and I shared many memories at the beginning of Antigo Construction and believe that we may have been the glue in those early years. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Bill Burt"
"Jeanne, we are saddened to hear the loss of Jim. He was a very nice and helpful man. We know your faith will comfort you with your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. Pete & Linda Gallenberg"
"Jon & family, we just heard of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, remember all the memories you all shared together! May God be with you all, and our Deepest Sympathy, Ron & Mary Lou Gajewski"
"Jeanne our deepest sympathy for your loss. Jim & Joe Bresette (Alice's boys) "
"Our sympathy Jeanne on the loss of your husband. May God be with you and your family"
"A classmate, friend and "good guy". You will be missed. Condolences to Jeanne. You will all be in my prayers. Dcn Tony Koss"
"To the Darling family, We were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Upper Clear Lake will not be the same without him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Sorry we will be unable to attend the service as we are out of town. God bless you. Sincerely Bob and Nancy Hunter. "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family in this time of loss! Bob & Mary Curran"
"I was one of those kids benefitting from Mr. Darling's help when "hockey came to Antigo." Thank you Mr. Darling. Prayers to the family. Patrick Bradley"
"Leaving you Jean and family our sympathy from Fl. Will miss seeing Jim around St. John's, especially on Sunday. It seems like we were all so young not so long ago. Our children at St John school. Now, they are they have grown. Jim was always a pleasant man. Peace and blessings! Terry and Jaminr Kretz"
"Jeanne and family. It is with deep sorrow I learned of Jim's death. Please accept my sincerest prayers and condolences. We had many memorable times when I was Principal at AHS. - days at the shack, hockey club, and Monday night card. Deacon Tom Fuhrmann"
"I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing...I didnt know him but my Husband Ron did and he said he was a really good guy. Your all in my prayers"
"Dear Jeanne, Jay & family,
Jim was an amazing, kind man that lent his talents to help so many. We will miss seeing him. He always had a smile & a kind word. Wishing you all strength during this very sad time. God Bless!"
"Thoughts and prayers to your family he WILL? be surely missed by his Dixie family.we will miss him."
"Hello Jeanne - This is a voice from our past during our high school years. I remember our fun times walking downtown Antigo during lunch break. I also was present at your very lovely wedding. It is odd how out of the blue you would come to mind. I still have the pictures I took with my Hawkeye camera. I lost my husband 12 years ago so I know how much you will miss Jim. Love you special, Janet (Rosio) Schoblaska."
"Jeanne- Wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. While we don't understand and don't want to accept death, we do have our trust in God's grace and entrance into his loving arms for eternity. May this knowledge give you the strength is move forward day to day. Jeanne and Jim Peters."