James F. Darnell

James F. Darnell, 86, of Machesney Park passed away Saturday October 16, 2021 at his residence with his loving wife and family by his side. James was born in Vandalia, IL on November 23, 1934, the son of John H. and Jennie (Towne) Darnell. He married Patricia McDevitt in 1959. James retired from Colonial Bakery; he was a member of the YMCA Men’s Club and refereed for the Lincoln Park Boys Club. James worked in the Juvenile Probation Department helping young kids. He was a champion boxer in his younger years winning many awards. He loved working in his yard, gardening, spending time with his 4 daughters and playing with his grandchildren and his dogs.

James is survived by his wife Patricia; daughters: Gail (Tim) Toepfer, Sue (Chris) Konitski, Linda Myers and Johanna Marshall; 6 grandchildren: Gregory (Heather) Konitski, Rhiannon Konitski, Stephanie Toepfer, Christopher Toepfer, Savannah (Damian) Myers and Zachary (Breanna) Myers; 6 great-grandchildren: Chevelle, Arwen, Milo, Ivan, Saga and Max; his grand-dog Charlie. James was preceded in death by his parents, 7 siblings, his beloved dog Pooter and his grand-dogs Copper and Tasha.

Visitation for James will be Friday October 22, 2021 from 1-2 PM at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park; services to celebrate James life will be at 2 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.