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Jim Darnell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jim Darnell
Pat Burney
November 17, 2014
Coach Darnell had retired before I taught at MWC High School, but he came by and introduced himself to me at a ballgame. Classy, great coach and a person with integrity. He was a will always be a great Bomber.
Joanne Dietz
May 9, 2008
Coach Darnell represented everything good about high school athletics and what it meant to be a Bomber. He left a powerful legacy.
Mary Swinney
March 28, 2008
Coach Darnell was a legacy to Midwest City. I grew up with his wonderful daughter. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Gordon Nelson
October 7, 2007
Coach Darnell was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Whether or not they were a football player, he loved all Bombers and treated everyone with respect. He set the standard that others may strive for, but will never achieve. Thanks for everything, Coach.
Garnett Haubelt ( MCHS '62)
August 6, 2007
When one thinks of Bomber Football one thinks Jim Darnell. Small in stature but large in accomplishments and influence. Everyone who walked the halls of MCHS, took Drivers Ed or participated in any sport was effect by this man among men! He was truly a "Teacher" and inspiration to the youth of our time by not only talking the talk but walking the walk! He will be missed!
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
August 2, 2007
Sincere sympathy to family, friends, and fans who cared and admired, Pat - R.N. and spots fan
Susan Gonders
August 1, 2007
After he retired, Jim Darnell had season tickets next to my parents, backing up to the pressbox on the 50-yard-line. The first time he saw me there, he thanked me for dedicating the 1969 yearbook to him nearly a decade earlier. He mentioned that dedication again in 1989 when his appearance at our class reunion rocked the building. He was a true gentleman who personified class and inspired pride.
Kenny Brust (class of '62)
July 31, 2007
Few people have the opportunity to influence so many people as do coaches and teachers. Coach Darnell was a class act. He had a certain mystic about him that drew keen respect from all students whether they played football or not. He had a special way to make all of us feel we were an important part of the overall Bomber team regardless of our actual role. I didn't play football at MCHS but always felt a close bond with him simply by the way he treated all students. If only the world had more Jim Darnells.......
Jerry Duke
July 28, 2007
After my dad died, Coach Darnell came to me and asked me if I wanted to be a part of the Bomber football team. He knew I wasn't big enough to be a high school player but he gave me the opportunity to be a part of the Bomber team. He gave me the confidence I needed to move on with my life and I believe that Coach Darnell's early influence has played a big part in my life.
Terri Cardoni-Derrick
July 26, 2007
My father, Joe Cardoni, started taking me to the Bomber games on Friday nights at the age of 6 years old. I would watch the cheerleaders and band while Daddy watched the game. Coach Darnell was there the entire time. After he retired I sat down two rows from him. I would always glance up at him nod hello and sometimes to watch his reaction to a play or call. Coach Darnell was a coach's coach, a man's man. Truly an icon and a Midwest City legend. He never forgot where he came from because on one Friday night during football season we would load up the buses and head down to Chickasha, OK to play a game.Once in Pep Club I drew his name to make the goodie box. I was so excited, but then disappointed when I had to leave it in the office for him. He created Bomber Pride and I am lucky to have known him. Thanks Coach
Pete Francis
July 25, 2007
What a great influence in my life. He taught us all about pride in anything we did because you could see the confidence in him. He helped me by being a father figure and someone we could look up to.
After I graduted from OSU I coached at Del City and got to know him better and his sense of humor.
You will be missed but your memory will last with me forever.
Paul Myers
July 25, 2007
Coach Darnell had such an outstanding pressence about himself, whether in the halls or on the field. You always felt proud to have know him, and it is amazing in the years that pass and when you talk with your classmates, regardless of when you graduated, you always returned to the subject of Coach Darnell and how he is doing and the influence he had on our lives.
He will be missed by all, but his memory will last forever.
Kenny
July 25, 2007
Grew up hearing about Coach Darnell and the excellence that is Midwest City High School. My grandmother graduated in '61, and I graduated a proud Bomber in '04. I know the legacy and am proud to say I am a Midwest City Bomber. Coach Darnell set a standard of excellence and achievement for the whole school. BOMBER PRIDE!!
David Redman
July 25, 2007
Great man and coach. Was privileged to play Bomber football ’74-’76. His influence will last a lifetime. God speed Coach.
Darnell & staff 1976
July 25, 2007
George Campbell
July 24, 2007
I had great respect for Jim. I was an assistant at Carl Albert in the late 60's under head coach Jim Harris and had many opportunities to be with Jim. Jim Darnell was always open to sharing ideas. A great person who had great influence on many young men who are spread through out this country. A coach of Jim's stature is like a never ending wave coming to the shore, the people he influenced will be projected for years and years
Gerald "Lamar" Clopp
July 24, 2007
Coach Darnell gave me a chance as a young kid to play for the Bombers. I was what they called a "hood"- short for hoodlum. He probably knew I was at risk. I admired him from our first meeting and all during my highschool term 1966-69. He helped kids in more ways than anyone will ever probably know. But most of all, he taught us self-discipline, good habits, sportsmanship, teamwork, and inner drive. Our prayers go out to his family and close friends.
Jonathan Still
July 24, 2007
s legacy will never be forgotten. As a Alumni of Midwest City, I remember hearing the stories of his greatness and he will be missed. Coach was a legend and truly this saying speaks of him 'Heroes may always be remembered, but LEGENDS NEVER DIE!!!' Bomber Pride
John Carter
July 24, 2007
I am greatly saddened by Coach's passing. I started my coaching career as an assistant for Coach Darnell in 1974. I not only learned football, but how to be as good a person as he. My condolences to the family.
SUSAN WYATT
July 24, 2007
GAY AND FAMILY,
JUST A NOTE TO TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATED KNOWING COACH DARNELL.I WAS A STUDENT AT MCHS FROM 1963-65,I KNEW HIM WELL. MY PARENT'S WERE THE LATE COACH WILLIAM (BILL) AND BONNIE BRANUM AND WE LIVED, 201 W. COE DR. BEHIND YOUR DAD.MY DAD COACHED IN MWC FOR 30 YEARS AT JARMAN JR. HIGH, SO I KNEW COACH WELL. MY PARENTS PASSED AWAY IN 2004. SO I KNOW WHAT YOUR FAMILY IS GOING THROUGH. I ENJOYED COACH DARNELL AS A COACH AND TEACHER BUT MOST OF ALL A FRIEND. I WANT TO EXPRESS MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY GOD BLESS YOU.
STEVEN SMITH
July 24, 2007
I AM SADDEN BY THIS NEWS. I PLAYED ON THE 1977 TEAM HIS LAST SEASON COACHING. I'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO COACH AT SEVERAL DIFFERENT LEVELS AS WELL AS IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT SPORTS AND HAVE USED SOME OF THE COACH TECHNIQUES AND PHILOSOPHIES I LEARNED WHILE PLAYING UNDER HIM. COACH DARNELL YOU AND BOMBER MAGIC WILL BE MISSED
Bill Mitchell
July 24, 2007
I am deeply sadden at the passing of my coach. I played for Coach from 1969 to 1971. He had a great and lasting impression and influence on my life. Many of the things that have helped me become successful in life and business over the years, I learned from Coach. The world is a lesser place without him but heaven is rejoycing at receiving a great coach and even greater man. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
MICHAEL CALLAWAY
July 24, 2007
COACH DARNELL WAS A FINE MAN AND A FINE PERSON. AFTER BEING AROUND OTHER COACHES DURING MY SON'S FOOTBALL YEARS AND MY GRANDSON'S FOOTBALL YEARS, I TRULY REALIZE THAT FOOTBALL WOULD BE A BETTER EXPERIENCE FOR EVERY BOY IF THEIR COACH WAS JIM DARNELL. WHAT A TRUE CHRISTIAN MAN. I HAVE TALKED ABOUT HIM OFTEN OVER THE YEARS AND AM SO VERY GLAD TO HAVE KNOWN HIM.
MICHAEL CALLAWAY/CLASS OF 1966
July 23, 2007
Even though we did not play for you coach, we know the legacy you have left behind for us to continue that strong and great tradition known as BOMBER FOOTBALL. Theres nothing better and there truely is nothing greater than being a Midwest City Bomber. As a coach, you layed the foundation for the future Bombers and we will continue to build on that foundation, BOMBER EXCELLENCE. NO EXCUSES!. Our prayers go out to your family coach. Midwest City Loves You.
Once a Bomber, always a Bomber.
Your Bombers.
Larry Stein
July 23, 2007
Coach Darnell helped create a sense of pride for all Bombers. It didn't matter if you played football or not, Coach was part of the pride of being a Bomber. Coach instilled a sense of confidence that will last all Bombers until they meet up with Coach, down the road. Blessings to Coach Darnell's family and to the entire Bomber family that he touched. Both families will never forget his influence or the memories he helped create on and off the football field.
Jeff Jessee
July 23, 2007
Coach Darnell was an outstanding man and Coach who instilled the best in all who played for him. I had the privilege to play football for him during the 1973 and 1974 football seasons. His committment and devotion to his players, MCHS and the community were truly noteworthy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Darnell family. Go Bombers!!
Thanks Coach!
Sincerely, Jeff Jessee
Cotton Wade
July 23, 2007
Jim Darnell was an outstanding coach. I did not coach directly against one of Coach Darnell's teams, but I coached against the tradition he had built at Midwest City while I was coaching at Norman. Whenever we lined up against the bombers, we knew we had a fight on our hands.
My condolences go out to Coach Darnell's family at home and Midwest City.
Cotton Wade
Rick Yarbrough
July 23, 2007
Coach was the greatest motivator and earned everyone's respect. I have told stories all my adult life about my experiences playing for him and how his character and the way he treated his players was a role model for all coaches. After every game, win or lose, he would greet us going into the locker room and tell us he was proud of us. He was First Class all the way.
C
July 23, 2007
Coach Darnell was a good teacher also, I remember him from driver's ed. He made the class more interesting.
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