James Ryland Darden Jr.

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.