James Allen Darden was born on December 30, 1941, in Huntsville, Alabama to Walter G. Darden and Sara W. Richardson Darden. He passed away on August 12, 2024, at the age of 82. Jim grew up in Hohenwald, Tennessee. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and received his Eagle Scout badge in 1959. He was a member of the Lewis County Marching Band during his high school years and was the Drum Major his senior year. Jim graduated from Lewis County High School in 1960. After high school, he attended Tennessee Tech College before marrying Carla M. Scheiwiller and soon after started their family. Jim and family lived in Selmer, Jackson, and Knoxville, Tennessee where he held the title of District Scout Executive for the Boy Scouts of America. After returning to Hohenwald, he purchased the Western Auto store on Main Street that he owned and operated for several years, later opening Woods & Waters Sporting Goods in the adjoining storefront. MidTown Video was his last business before he retired.

Jim served as President of the Lewis County Jaycees, and served on the Lewis County Fair Board for many years. He was elected to multiple terms for the Board of Directors for Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative, and was a member of the Oak Grove Church.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, paternal grandparents, William A. and Kathryn Edwards Darden, and maternal grandparents, James F. and Bessie Peeler Richardson. He is survived by his wife Joyce V. Darden; daughter Dawn L. Darden; son Chester G. Darden (Andrea); daughter DeAnna K. Darden-Carroll (Barry); grandchildren Summer A. Skelton (Haden); Caroline G. Darden; Logan S. Darden and Kaden E. Carroll; great-granddaughter, Marley Kate Skelton; sister, Debbie Darden York (Robin) and 3 nieces.

Visitation with the family will be Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 1:00-3:00 pm with a Celebration of Life at 3:00 pm at McDonald Funeral Home in Hohenwald.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in his memory to Oak Grove Church or to Hope of Blessings International (HOBI) orphanage at https://www.arbelministries.com/hobi.

McDonald Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Darden family.