James F. Darrell “was deeply respected and loved throughout the East Hampton community for his generosity and service,” his family wrote. He was a Cub Scout master for Pack 426 for more than six years and a member and trustee of the East Hampton Methodist Church for over 55 years. In his retirement he volunteered as a food delivery driver for Meals on Wheels here.
Mr. Darrell died on Jan. 9 at Stony Brook University Hospital. The cause was an intracranial hemorrhage, his family said. He was 80.
Known as Jim or Jimmy, he worked at DiSunno Motors in Amagansett from 1966 until its closure in 1981. He then began a 30-year career with Pulver Gas, where he was a serviceman and later plant manager. He retired in 2011.
He was born on June 23, 1945, in St. Johnsbury, Vt., the fifth of George Darrell and the former Amelia Smith’s eight children. He attended the St. Johnsbury Trade School until his mother remarried and the family relocated to East Hampton in 1963. He graduated from East Hampton High School in 1964.
It was here that he met his future wife, Diana. They were married on April 27, 1968.
Mr. Darrell “had a true passion for working with his hands,” his family said. “He loved building and creating, leaving behind countless handmade birdfeeders and whimsical propane tank animals that can still be found throughout East Hampton and beyond — lasting reminders of his creativity and joy.”
Mr. Darrell is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diana Darrell of East Hampton, his son Todd Darrell and daughter-in-law Loretta of Franklin Square, his son Trevor Darrell and daughter-in-law Cynthia of East Hampton, and his four grandchildren, Tyler, Will, Kaylee, and Ryan, “who brought him immense happiness.”
Also surviving is a sister, Rachel Schellinger of Sarasota, Fla.
He was predeceased by his son James and by six siblings, Lawrence Darrell, Laura Benner, Jeannette Ferrara, Robert Darrell, Wanda Darrell Mott, and Wayne Darrell.
Memorial contributions have been suggested to the East Hampton Methodist Church at 35 Pantigo Road, “an organization to which he devoted much of his life and service,” his family said.
