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BORN
1932
DIED
2025
James Darden Obituary
December 19, 1932 - June 26, 2025
Dr. James Ryland Darden, Jr, 92, of Richmond Virginia, died June 26, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was predeceased by his parents and first wife Phyllis Meyerhoeffer Darden. He is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor Powell Darden, his sons Keith Norfleet Darden and Jeffry Miller Darden (Patty), and his three grandchildren Sam, Stella, and Millie.
Jim grew up in Holland, Virginia, and is a graduate of Randolph Macon College and the Medical College of Virginia (VCU). In private practice with Surgical Specialists of Richmond, Jim was associated with Stuart Circle Hospital where he was Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Richmond Academy of Medicine, a member of AMA, Surgical Society of Virginia, and the Humera Surgical Society. Also, he was a Diplomate of The American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of American College of Surgeons (FACS). During retirement he remained active as a Clinical Professor of Surgery at McGuire Veterans Hospital and volunteered for many years at the Crossover Clinic where he received the Compassionate Care Award. Jim's passion throughout his life was to care for others. He was a kind gentle soul and generous to those he served from all walks of life (unless you were a smallmouth bass). Teaching young medical students as well as directing CPR programs at his church and in the community were special personal interests. And Jim also loved his river time in Mathews County: sailing, fishing and windsurfing.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Westminster Canterbury Richmond. The family would like to thank the staff for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the WEAVE program which provides scholarships and emergency assistance to employees through the Westminster Canterbury Fellowship Program at 1600 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, VA 23227 or to First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Road, Richmond, VA 23226.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Darden
Patricia Allen Wallin
August 24, 2025
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Darden in the ICU at Stuart Circle Hospital 1976-1980. He was an excellent exceptional physician and kind sincere human being. It was an honor to have known him and I send my condolences to his loved ones left behind. He will always be remembered.
Daniel M. Jannuzzi, MD
July 17, 2025
I worked with Dr Darden at Stuart Circle Hospital and at the Cross-Over Health Center. He was a kind and generous man and a dedicated and excellent physician. His legacy and memory will live on. I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family.
Liz Vest
July 17, 2025
No matter how old a person is when they die, it still isn´t long enough for the people who loved them. We all know that no one gets out of here alive. It still doesn´t make it any easier because we miss them so much.
Eleanor, I´m so sad for you. I know you didn´t want your husband to suffer anymore but it still is so hard. I know being surrounded by your sister, brother and other loving family and friends will help. Thinking of you and sending warm thoughts and prayers.
Liz Vest (Frank and Jean Bell´s daughter)
Sheena Haywood
July 14, 2025
I was sorry to hear of Dr. Darden´ s passing. I worked at Stuart Circle Hospital operating room with Dr. Darden from 1972-1980. He was a gentleman, a compassionate physician, and someone I always enjoyed working with each day. He was my mother´s physician and she loved him. He was always someone I treated in teaching students when I was in school at Stuart Circle. I have many fond memories of him. My prayers of comfort to all his family.
Tom Maxwell
July 7, 2025
DR. Darden and I worked together at DDS for a number of years. He was a good friend and mentor who taught me so much. He was truly one of the good guys.
Phyllis M Thomas
July 7, 2025
Prayers and warm thoughts for his family and loved ones. Dr Darden has given me fond memories, and a wealth of medical understanding here at the DDS family. I will truly miss his sense of humor and his laughter.
Anita Akers
July 7, 2025
I was a student nurse at Stuart Circle and then worked in the Operating Room with Dr. Darden 1974-1985. He was always so pleasant to work with, considerate and compassionate to all. To the family- I am sorry for your loss of this great man!
Martha Burton, President SCH Nursing Alumnae Association
July 6, 2025
On behalf of the Stuart Circle Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association, we send our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Darden. We remember him with fondness and appreciation to the support we experienced as students and as a sincere friend to our alumnae members.
Linda huband
July 6, 2025
I was a patient of Dr. Darden. He was a wonderful caring doctor.
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