James "Jimmy" Darnell was born December 13, 1943 in Pensacola, Florida.  Jimmy passed away on February 14, 2025, after a brief illness.  Jimmy graduated from Escambia High School in Pensacola.    Jimmy was called to service and joined the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War in 1968 to 1969. While serving in Vietnam as a Corporal, Jimmy was awarded three Navy Achievement Medals.  The medals were awarded to him for his exemplary performance during battle. He participated and served with courage in six major combat operations, including Operations Meade River, Russell Beach and Oklahoma Hills, Taylor Common.  The award/medal not only recognized that he repeatedly distinguished himself by his courage and composure under fire but also how he tirelessly trained his men and molded them into effective fighting force. The award states that he "upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service".  Upon returning from Vietnam Jimmy graduated with his bachelor's degree from University of Central Florida in 1973.  During that time, he worked as a Lifeguard in Daytona Beach a time he said "was one of the best times of his life".  Jimmy went on to join his father in the automobile business as a car salesman in Pensacola. He then moved to Panama City where he became New Truck Sales Manager at Cook- Whitehead Ford where he remained for 43 years until he retired as General Sales Manager in February 2020. Jimmy remained a person that trained his team to be prepared for the future while mentoring them to believe in themselves.  He touched many lives whether it was selling them that first, second, third vehicle or a fleet of vehicles, he was "that person" people looked to for his help, guidance and honest advice. During his many years in the automobile business, he was recognized with numerous awards from Ford Motor Company for his performance as a leader in sales and customer satisfaction. Jimmy was frequently seen on TV commercials or heard on the radio (he was "Mr. Big Volume" and at times with his buddy Dave Lady) advertising the Ford brand that he loved.

Jimmy loved to play golf and was a member of the Panama City Country Club.  He also loved to be on the water whether it was boating to Shell Island, fishing or taking one of the many cruises he and his wife Tammy (who he married on July 15, 2000) would love to take. Jimmy was also a member of many community organizations including the Panama City Jaycees and most recently served as a Trustee for Amvets Post 47.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Catherine "Kitty" Darnell, his brother Frank Darnell Jr., his beloved son Ryan Darnell, his niece, Julianne Darnell and his nephew Matthew Darnell. Sister-in-law, Carolyn Dobbs Conley. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Tammy Darnell, brothers, Doug (Laura), Tom (Sandra), his daughter Jaime Bengston (Derrick), his bonus children, Kevin Berry (Ashley), Megan Bailey (Stephen).  Grandchildren, Alexandria Seay Toth (Ryan), Aubrie Cross (Jairus), Abigail Seay, Paisley Bailey, Grayson Berry, Liam Bailey, Benjamin Bailey, and Colson Bailey.  Great grandchildren, Caden Cross, Everly Toth, and Grady Cross. Nieces, Amy Hurst (Morgan), Adrienne Darnell, Nephews, Joey Darnell, and Tyler Dobbs. Brother-in-law, Edwin Conley, Jr.  Countless other family, friends, colleagues and golf buddies.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 19th at Wilson Funeral Home.  Visitation will be begin at 2pm followed by the Celebration of Life at 3pm. Anyone wishing to make donations on his behalf could do so to Amvets Post 47, 8317 Front Beach Road, Suite 14, Panama City, Florida 32407 to benefit our local veterans community.