James J. "Jim" Darr

James "Jim" Darr, of Breese, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and man of faith, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 77 surrounded by those he loved.

Born on September 24, 1948, in Belleville, Illinois, to parents Randle "Jack" and Agnes Darr. Jim dedicated his life to serving others. He was a devoted husband to Sue and a loving father to Shawn, Kelly, Ryan, Neal, Corey, and Jared. His greatest joy came in his role as "Papa" to Kaitlyn, Ryan, Connor, Greyson, Laurel, Savanah, Lillian, Elliott, and Shiloh, all whom he cherished deeply and delighted in spending time with.

A lifelong teacher, Jim touched countless lives through his 44 years of service at Mater Dei Catholic High School, where he was known for his kindness, patience, and ever-present smile. He viewed teaching not just as a profession, but as a calling. His students remember him as someone who believed in them, encouraged them, and led by example. He was truly an asset to his school, his church, and the wider community.

A man of deep spirituality and faith, Jim was an active member of St. Dominic Parish, where his Catholic faith guided his life and actions. He lived his beliefs quietly but powerfully, offering compassion, generosity, and grace to everyone he met.

Outside the classroom, Jim found peace in his garden, where he enjoyed tending to plants and watching things grow-much like he did with the people in his life, or in the kitchen preparing meals to be enjoyed by family and friends. Whether gardening, preparing a meal with passion and love, or sharing laughter with his grandchildren, he embraced life with gratitude and joy.

Jim will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the countless lives he touched. His legacy lives on in his family, his students, and all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his devoted wife Susanne (nee Koch), with whom he would be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in November; children, Shawn (Nichole), Kelly (Stuart) Kienlen, Neal, Corey (partner Luna), and Jared; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Ryan, Connor, Greyson, Laurel, Savanah (Andrew Williams), Lillian, and Elliott; great-grandchild, Shiloh; siblings, Ken (Linda) Darr, Pat (Dan) Hoffarth, Gary (Theresa) Darr; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws, Mark (Audrey) Koch, Matt (special friend Mary) Koch, Kristine (Kyle) Rank, James (Lisa) Koch, Mary (Mark) Heffron, and Theresa (Mike) Eilers; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan; daughter-in-law Jenna; parents, Randle and Agnes; parents-in-law, Donald and Esther; and brother-in-law Thomas.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese. Interment will take place at a later date.

Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese and again Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 9:00 – 10:45 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School, All Saints Academy, or St. Dominic Parish and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.