James W. "Big Jim" Darby

James W. “Big Jim” Darby, 86, of Sun City West, AZ, formerly of Danville, IL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at 11:48 a.m. on Nov. 18, 2024, at Hospice of the Valley’s Thunderbird Home in Glendale, AZ.

Big Jim was born on October 3, 1938, in Columbus, OH, to Charles and Florence (Gill) Darby. On December 12, 1955, he married the love of his life, Caroline J. Sanders, in Warsaw, KY. Their remarkable union spanned nearly 69 years. Caroline survives him, cherishing the legacy of their love and life together.

He is also survived by his five children: Karen (Nick) Battaglia of Sun City West, AZ; Donna (Jim) Walthall of Mahomet, IL; Linda (Scott Dowers) Darby of Danville, IL; Rich (Jill) Darby of Noblesville, IN; and Scott Darby of Phoenix, AZ. Big Jim was the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren: Ashley (Edgar) Barajas, Abbey (Mason) Oxendale, Erin (Ben) Brodbeck, Lindsey (Jason) Murphy, Ethan (Keri) Darby, Ross (Austin) Darby, Jackson (Rachel) Darby, Madison (Kyle Harlin) Dowers, Bradley (Heather) Battaglia, and Nicole (Jacob) Raymo. His grandchildren blessed him with 24 great-grandchildren: Christian, Kimberly, Gabriel, and Analise Barajas; Jastin and Jase Szarek; Dominic and Gabriel Battaglia; Carson and Cooper Oxendale; Nixon, River, and Indie Raymo; Ellie Grace Brodbeck; Logan, Caden, Dayton, and Kennedy Murphy; Sawyer and Livy Darby; Remington and Lyla Sue Darby; Liam, and Eli Darby. He is also survived by nephews Tom and Matt Darby, and a niece, Stephanie Darby.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David.

Big Jim’s career began humbly as a grave digger at Gethsemane Cemetery in Detroit, MI. His journey took a pivotal turn when a high school Spanish teacher inspired him to aim higher. Her challenge sparked a determination in him that propelled him to become a respected national leader in the funeral industry. 

In October 1960, Jim’s parents relocated to Danville, IL, and purchased Sunset Memorial Park. That move ignited Big Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit. Recognizing that a small-town cemetery couldn’t sustain the family financially, Jim and his brother Dave launched Greenwood Plastics, manufacturing burial vaults. In those early days, Jim would produce product by day and deliver them by semi at night. Under his leadership, the product line grew into a national network, now branded as Trigard and managed by the fourth generation of Darby’s.

In the 1980s, Big Jim spearheaded efforts in Illinois to pass legislation allowing cemeteries to operate funeral homes, leading to the opening of Sunset Funeral Home in Danville in 1984. His vision expanded to Arizona in 1989, where he and his brother opened Camino del Sol Funeral Chapel in Sun City West, AZ.

Big Jim’s influence wasn’t confined to his businesses. He served in numerous leadership roles at state and national levels, earning a reputation as a tough yet honorable negotiator. Two of his proudest accolades were his induction into the Vermilion County Business Hall of Fame and the Lasting Impact Award, which recognized his enduring contributions to the funeral industry at a local and national level.

He was a man of unwavering faith, a value he lived and shared with his family, particularly in his final days. Big Jim’s life was one of endless curiosity and creativity. Whether he was building a massive model railroad or carving duck decoys, his projects always carried his unique, meticulous touch (and often left a mess). Caroline gave him the grace to tinker, knowing his brilliant mind was always at work.

Big Jim had a generous heart, often giving far more than he received. Whether tipping extravagantly, supporting those in need, or calling everyone his “favorite,” he made people feel special and valued. His larger-than-life personality and profound kindness left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Though many associated “Big Jim” with his robust frame, his nickname truly reflected the enormous impact he had on his family, friends, and community. He embodied the American Dream, a story he told in his autobiography, Nobody Looks Up to a Gravedigger.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday Nov. 25, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL, officiating will be Rev. James Blue, a long-time family friend. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 24, 2024 at the funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church 1930 Bowman Ave. Danville, IL 61832.