James Alton Darden Jr., Major, USAF (Retired)
March 8, 1935 – December 27, 2024

James (Jim) Alton Darden Jr. passed away peacefully at Banner Estrella Medical Center, in Phoenix, AZ on December 27, 2024, with his family at his bedside. He was 89.
Born on March 8, 1935, he was the son of James Alton Darden and Naomi Jones. His childhood was spent growing up in El Dorado, Arkansas and Longview, Texas.

James graduated from Longview High School and attended the University of Detroit for one year before being accepted into the U.S. Air Force Aviation Cadet Training Program. He completed his training in 1956 and went on to become an accomplished rescue helicopter pilot. He saved countless lives during his 20-year career, which included a one-year tour in Vietnam.

James’ post military career included employment with Honeywell, Denver’s East High School, and Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center. While at Fitzsimmons, he was part of the team responsible for the computer system that maintained all of the hospital’s patient records.

An avid Do-It-Yourselfer, a radio-controlled aircraft modeler, and a woodworking enthusiast, James rarely sat still for very long and always had a strong sense of curiosity. Whether he was taking computer courses well into his 80s at the local community college or checking out the latest how-to content on YouTube, he believed it was important to stay busy, keep the brain active, and always be learning something new.

James also had a gift for helping his friends solve their home improvement problems, never expecting anything in return. Just knowing that he helped out was enough. And after resolving an issue that may have created a unique challenge, he would often say, “It’s working like a champ.”

Not surprisingly to those who knew him, family was James’ top priority. He was a true role model in every way and left behind a legacy of strong values, including a tireless work ethic. Whenever the family was together, a group picture was always on the to-do list. Nothing meant more to him than having everyone together for special occasions.

James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanora Patricia (Brock) Darden, his sons, James Alton Darden III, and Ronald Karl Darden; daughter, Miriam Darden Settles; brother, James Armstrong; daughter-in-law, Edwina Giles Darden; son-in-law, Gregory Settles; and his two grandchildren, Linah and Ethan Darden.

The funeral service will be held at the St. Pius X Catholic Church in Aurora, CO at 10:00 AM on Wednesday January 22, 2025, followed by a reception at Olinger Hampden Mortuary in Denver, CO at 11:30AM. Jim will be laid to rest at Ft. Logan National Cemetery at 1:30PM.

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As a Captain, James A. Darden Jr. served a Vietnam War tour as a HH-43F pilot with Det. 6 & 11, 38th ARRS in the 1967–1968-time frame.