James (Jim) Myron Darr was an amazing and loving husband, father and brother that passed away in Mount Vernon on November 8, 2021 at the age of 69. Jim lived a remarkable life and touched us in so many ways. He was known as a man full of laughter who could make a new friend where ever he went. Without even trying he could lift the mood of those around him, make you laugh until it hurt, bring a smile to your face, or cry on demand along with you. He was kind, compassionate, and would lend a helping hand to those in need. More than anything, he loved spending time with his precious family and his beloved friends.

Jim was born in Mount Vernon on September 8, 1952, to Myron and Arlene Darr. Jim had fond memories growing up in his family home with his parents and sister, Myrene, where he built a strong connection to his neighbors and neighborhood. Jim had a special bond with his Mount Vernon High School graduating class of 1970 and stayed in contact with many of them – this was something he was proud of. Jim attended Skagit Valley College and served in the National Guard in 1972.

Jim married the love of his life, Penny, in 1995, and he became a dad to Penny's two young children, James and Lauren. Upon marrying, they moved from Mount Vernon to Mill Creek where they raised their family. From the beginning, Jim was very involved in the kid's lives and was the most amazing dad to them. He helped the kids with their sports events, paper routes, attended all of their school activities, and instilled his values in them. Jim was a very loving father and was always an excellent role model to James and Lauren. As the kids got older, it became time for a pet, Lily, a little 4-1/2 pound Yorkie. Lily and Jim were inseparable for 16 years of his life!

Jim and Penny built a beautiful life together full of laughter, travels and priceless memories. One of their proudest accomplishments together was that they saw all 7 Wonders of the World. They started in 2004 in Peru visiting Machu Picchu and completed their quest in 2017 in India by visiting the Taj Mahal.

Jim was an avid sports fan, especially of baseball, that stayed with him his entire life. As a young boy, he could really hit a baseball and was known as the "Home Run Kid", which earned him a spot in the Skagit Valley Herald on numerous occasions. He loved playing his position as a catcher and used those inherent baseball skills to coach his son, James', Little League team one year. He also played football for Mount Vernon High School. One year he received the Gentleman Athlete Award as voted on by the Faculty. He was always a true gentleman, through and through. Later in life, he enjoyed attending Mariner's games and other sporting events with his family and friends. He would travel all across the country with his friends attending as many sporting events as he could fit in.

Jim developed a love of cribbage, passed down to him from his grandparents and parents that he in turn passed down to his family. He was a gifted cribbage player and some may say an even better teacher. In fact, he was such a good cribbage teacher that several of his grandchildren beat him in a few rounds of cribbage from time to time! One time, he bet his grandson, Henry, that if he lost the cribbage game he would have to jump off the dock. Guess who lost that hand? To his surprise, Jim found himself jumping off the dock that day.

Being around people was one of Jim's favorite things to do. So naturally, one of his favorite jobs was as a school bus driver for Mount Vernon School District when he was 18. He would share his stories about Paul Harvey with the kids that rode his bus. Years later, it was always fun to watch him run in to the kids who rode his bus and see them reminisce about him being their bus driver. You could tell how much they loved Jim. Jim spent much of his career in sales – a natural fit for him. In 2004, Jim and his wife Penny, started their own electrical distribution business where they worked together for 14 years before Jim retired in 2018.

While Jim didn't live in Mount Vernon his entire life, Mount Vernon was always his true home. Skagit Valley kept calling his name so when he retired, Jim and his wife, Penny, moved to Big Lake. Jim loved the peaceful mornings where he could watch otters skim across the lake, eagles soar, ducks paddle, and the occasional deer that roamed in the grass. He also loved the neighborly feel of Big Lake and true to his spirit, Jim made many new and wonderful friends in the Big Lake community. After retiring, Jim decided his days would be spent golfing and traveling. Jim could often be found at the Overlook Golf Course in Big Lake with a friend or two. Jim also loved to entertain and was proud of the newest foods he learned to cook on his Green Egg. He made a delicious salmon!

Jim was a one of a kind soul that radiated wherever he went. His smile was infectious and his energy was contagious. He is dearly missed by his family and friends. Jim – What a difference you made in our lives!

Jim is survived by his wife Penny of 26 years, children James Hayton (Chelsie), Lauren Peterson (Tyler), grandchildren Henry, Mia, Drew, Tate and Elliot, sister Myrene Moller, niece Krissa Alvarado (Jacob), nephew Jeffrey Moller (Jillian), and his many great nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded by his father and mother, Myron and Arlene Darr, and his brother-in-law Larry Moller.

A graveside service will be held at Hawthorne Memorial Park in Mount Vernon followed by a Celebration of Life at the Family's home on July 8, 2022. If you would like details on Jim's graveside service and Celebration of Life, please contact rememberingjimdarr@gmail.com .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Big Lake Fire Department.

Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.