James Darden

DARDEN, Mr. James "Preston" - Age 77, passed away Monday, April 30, 2012 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2012 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11 a.m. Rev. Keith Evans, officiating. Interment River Rest Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Monday. Mr. Darden will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Mr. James "Peston" Darden was born on May 30, 1934 in Bellville, Texas, the son of Mr. George Darden and Mrs. Mary Jane (Mark) Sanford. Mr. Darden was a resident of Mt. Morris, MI. He attened Austin County High School in Sealy, Texas. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was employed by General Motors-SPO of Swartz Creek, Michigan, where he retired after 30 years of service. He was a man who took pride in cooking for family and friends. His interest included watching baseball, basketball and golf. Preston was a very organized and numerically savvy person. He had a beautiful and free giving spirit that touched all that knew him. He attended to his family with great love, compassion, and was always willing to help others. He will be dearly missed. Mr. James "Preston" Darden leaves to cherish his memory: 3 daughters, Deborah (John) Goldsmith of Flint, MI, tracy Darden of Davison, MI, Mary (Brian) Mosby of Detroit, MI; sons, Kenneth (Patricia) Slater of Porter, TX, James P. (Anthanette) Darden of Pearland, TX, Ramark (LaShiela) Darden of Flint, MI; grandchildren, Quinton Slater, Edward Wain Gaines, Tara Gaines, Rauderick Slater, Brian Mosby, Jr., James P. Darden III, Ramark Darden II, Jasmine Goldsmith, Brandon Mosby, Elizabeth Darden, Mariah Darden, Bria Mosby; 12 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Verdell Ruffin of Flint, MI, Yvonne (Miles, Sr.) Carter of Flint, MI; 1 sister-in-law, Karol Jean Brackins of Silverwood, MI; 3 brother-in-laws, Edward (Barbara) Brackins of Burton, MI, Norman (Shirley) Brackins of Burton, MI, Lloyd (Vanessa) Brackins of Grand Blanc, MI; a host of nieces and nephews including special friends, Horace Jackson and Archie LeFleur; many other friends and family members. Mr. Darden was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Darden; parents, George Darden. Mary Jane (Mark) Sanford; sister, Georgia Mae (Johnny Mack) Jones; brother, Percy (Willie Ruth) Darden; great-great-granddaughter, Baylie Mosby. The family would like to express special thanks to Hurley ICU and Genesys Hurley Cancer Center.

James Darden

May 30, 1934 - April 30, 2012