James Richard Darrah

James Richard Darrah, age 80, of Hickory Hills, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 19, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and coach, Jim touched the lives of many through his warmth, humor, and lifelong passion for baseball.
Born on June 24, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Jim was the son of the late Paul and Adele Darrah (Wendt). He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Maribeth (Pepping), and their three children: Michelle (Christopher) Rausch, Dan Darrah (Dana Domiano), and Mike Darrah (Bozena Szorc). Known as "Baba" to his nine cherished grandchildren, Jim shared with them his love for sports, fishing, and storytelling.
Jim's siblings and their spouses include Joan Myers and the late Richard Myers, the late John Darrah (Jeannine Darrah), the late sister in law Francine Darrah, Joyce Boyer and the late Jim Boyer, Sue Carroll and the late John Carroll, and Sharon and Michael Coogan.
A standout athlete from a young age, Jim played baseball at Mount Carmel High School before continuing his career at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) as a talented third baseman and pitcher. After earning his degree, he joined UIC's athletic staff, serving as a physical education instructor and assistant baseball coach for eight years.
In 1978, Jim was named head baseball coach at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), a position he held for 25 years. He later served as the school's Director of Athletics. His leadership, dedication, and love of the game earned him numerous accolades, including:
3-time Conference Coach of the Year
NAIA State Coach of the Year
NAIA Regional Coach of the Year
Pitch & Hit Club of Chicago College Coach of the Year
Inductee, Illinois High School Baseball Association Hall of Fame
Inductee, UIC Athletic Hall of Fame
Inductee, Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame
Mt. Carmel "Salute To Champions" Award
Inductee, Mt. Carmel Hall of Fame
Inductee, Illinois Institute of Technology Athletic Hall of Fame
Beyond coaching, Jim's influence extended into professional baseball. He worked as a liaison between college baseball and the Chicago White Sox, served as assistant technical advisor for the film A League of Their Own, and supported White Sox rehab efforts for Bo Jackson and baseball development for Michael Jordan during his transition into the sport.
In 2022, IIT honored Jim's lasting legacy by naming the first base dugout after him, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Scarlet Hawks baseball program and the countless lives he shaped both on and off the field.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lack & Sons Funeral Home, 9236 South Roberts Road, Hickory Hills, IL.
Funeral Prayers Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 9:15 am at the funeral home to St. Patricia Catholic Church, 9050 S. 86th Avenue, Hickory Hills, IL. Mass 10 A.M.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate