James R. Darden, Sr. | Eastern NC Now

March 15, 1935 – March 10, 2021
    James Roszel Darden, Sr., age 85, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

    Private graveside services will be held at Oakdale Cemetery.

    Mr. Darden was born in Norfolk, VA., son of the late Edith Carroll Darden and James G. Darden. He grew up in the London Bridge area and was a life-long resident of Princess Anne County and Virginia Beach. During his 30 years with the Virginia Beach Public School System, Mr. Darden organized and developed a progressive program of courses for adult learning. He was the Director of Adult and Continuing Education Program (Adult Learning Center) for Virginia Beach Schools until his retirement in 1995. Mr. Darden served for three years in the US Army as a paratrooper with the 503rd. He was a past president of the Virginia Adult and Continuing Education Association and the Tidewater Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Mr. Darden was past chairman of the Virginia Beach School Board and also served on the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Commission and the Friends of Virginia Beach Public Library Board. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach.

    Mr. Darden was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing until a few months before his death. After retiring he enjoyed trips from Canada to Florida with his wife and friends.

    Mr. Darden is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Stewart Moss Darden, a native of Washington, NC; son, Jimmy Darden, Jr. and his wife, Michelle; a sister, Edith Darden Wood of Alexandria, VA; three grandsons, Dustin Bishop, Coleby Bishop (Katie), and Jordan Mauldin; and five great grandchildren, Damon and Aiden Herring, Jace and Callie Bishop, Chloe Bishop and a multitude of friends who will miss him dearly.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Darden family.