Our sincere condolences with JIM,s passing

Our sincere condolences to Joy and family. So many memories from the years when we were all in the IGA group

To all of the Darling family and friends
Sorry to learn of Jim’s passing, he was a hard working man and enjoyed his work of butchering. We went to school together.
Our condolences to all.

To all the Darling family, my very sincere sympathy for your loss, memories will keep him alive in your hearts. Precious Memories, how they linger. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Judy (Jory) Hayward

Such very sad news. Sending our sincerest convalescences. His memory will live on, not soon forgotten.

Rebecca,Chris and family as well as the Darling family, my deepest condolences, the world has lost the Best Butcher., and will be missed by everyone who crossed his path. Cherish your memories, may they carry you through these dark days.

To Joy and family.
Please know we are thinking of you at this very sad time. Jim was one of a kind. He will be missed by so many.

Joy and family. We re so sorry to her of Jim’s passing. We have known him most of our lives as a friendly neighbour and school mate as well as being a grocery store owner and a great butcher..to Jack Joe and Jeff our sincere condolences . I have many fond memories of living and playing on Sanders Street in Exeter.

Deepest condolences on the passing of Jim. It was always a pleasure when he came whistling down the office hall at GLSM.

My sincere condolences to the entire Darling family. What a loss we all feel . He sure did love his girls . Such a proud dad. He touched so many lives with his community spirit and country heart. You have so many great memories to cherish,

The “Legend” will always have a special place in my heart! Work and play had no boundaries! Many fond memories of one of the greatest!!

My condolences to the entire family – Jim will be missed.

Our deepest condolences to the entire Darling family.
Jim was such an incredible human being and wonderful person.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Heartfelt condolences to the Darling family – we’re so sorry for your loss. Jim will be dearly missed. Sending love and prayers, Cathy & Doug Ellison.

Our sympathies go out to the entire Darling family , the whistle maybe silenced , but never forgotten . Jim was a community peron , someone who will be always remembered for his caring and joyful ways . Ourselves , having been a part of the grocery industry , it was a priiledge to have known Jim and remembered as a mentor in the indusrty . Rest in piece my friend , Bob & Grace Clarke , Belle River .

Joy & family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. A huge loss for your family, his many friends and co-workers.

The world lost a great and beautiful light yesterday. Although I only knew Jim for a short while, I saw how much joy and love he brought to everyone around him. I’ll never forgot his morning greetings…when you asked him how he was, his response. ” I’m nearly perfect”. I’ll miss his smile and laughter. My deepest condolences to the Darling family and my prayers that may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Dear Joy, Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa and Megan , words can not express our deepest sympathy to you and your families at this very sad time . He was indeed a legend and a man we will never forget . It was wonderful to have known a man like Jim and his family all these years. May you all carry on with his positive attitude and bless the memories you now have made , sincerely Barry & Diane Tieman

Our condolences to the Darling family
Such a shock to hear Jim has passed .
Please know we are thinking of you at this sad time.
Cy & Eleanor

To Joy and family. So sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Thinking of you all!

Joy, Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa and Meagan
My deepest condolences on your loss of Jim. He was proud of his family and talked often of your happenings. Jim was our entertainment coordinator for Sunday morning coffees at the farm. Strong like bull and graceful as a gazelle he would tell over a smile. Did you bring a tape recorder he would ask as he always had lots new stories and advice each week.

Rest in peace Jim, from your husky little buddy

Jim was definitely one of a kind, a great friend, always working hard with that smile on his face and gave the best hugs. He will be missed by so many. Hugs to the entire family during the difficult days now and ahead

I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.he was the most pleasant man to be around,and made your work day that much better.rest in peace Jim.my condolences to the family

For over 65 years, Jim has been a very special unique caring wonderful friend. We have always commented that if we put down our stories on paper, we would have a best seller.We feel very blessed to have had him as a friend, and will miss him very much. He loved telling me how wonderful his family was, and how proud he was of them all. He was a friend you could always count on no matter what. Our condolences go out to the family, we love you all and our thoughts are with all of you.

Our sincere condolences to the Darling family. Jim will be greatly missed!
George and Elaine Ducharme

It is with great sorrow that Jim has been taken away from us,
Sieka and I send our condolences to the Darling family, our prayer are with you at this time and the day to come

We have lost a great friend and a long, long time neighbour. Jim was tough and it took a lot to bring him down. We will miss his constant cheerfulness, and the smell of roasts and steaks on the barbecue. We have so many memories that we cherish our deep sympathies to the whole family
George and Lois Godbolt

To Joy and the Darling Family. Joy am sorry to hear of Jim’s death. He was such a hard worker. Joy I look back to 2016 when you were so kind to me. I wish you well. Irv.

My sincere condolences. Jim was always the highlight of our mornings down at Mc Donald’s. Definitely going to miss serving him. Any time we would have a rough morning he was always there to cheer us up.

Shocked and surprised to hear the news of Jim’s passing. Joy and family please accept our condolences.
Still have fond memories of Jim playing baseball with the Crescent Rolls, plus many more. Definitely will be missed but never forgotten.

Our most sincere condolences to Joy and the whole family. Jim was a man I always looked up to The strongest man I ever met. Nothing could stop him His work ethic was second to none. I learned so much from him and I’m thankful for it

Our most sincere condolences to Joy and the whole family. Jim was a man I always looked up to The strongest man I ever met. Nothing could stop him His work ethic was second to none. I learned so much from him and I’m thankful for it.

Our sincere sympathy to all the Darling family. Jim will be missed by many.

Jim was a wonderful human that never had a bad day and always had a bounce in his step.Jim and I worked together for many years at great lakes in Mitchell. His love of people and the meat processing industry have lost a rare and gentle soul. Jim always talked of his family and may Joy and the girls forever cherish what a gem he was. Glenda Feeney and Family

To all of the Darling family . Sorry to hear about Jim’s passing he was a hard worker and a great guy. Are condolence to Joy and the family.

One of my favorite friends .We went on many trips together, when our families spent many great times and made special memories ❤️ A man who always made me smile because of his Smile, a man who always made me feel better about myself because he loved me, a man who made me feel rich because he filled me with riches of kindness and Joy. My Friend Jim Darling 💙 Gunther Funkenhauser

My condolences to Jim’s Family. Jim a super guy.

Murray Armstrong

Our deepest condolences to the entire Darling family. It’s never easy and we are all thinking of you during this difficult time.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TOO ALL THE FAMILY ,with the passing of Jim Keep all your happy memories close to your heart

Kathy Hayter

Our condolences to the Darling Family on the passing of Jim.

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Jim. Treasure all those wonderful memories.

Dear Darling Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sadness. My you gather strength from the prayers sent your way.
Karn Durdin and Don Thornton

To Joy..and all of Jim*s family. Our hearts are broken for you in the loss of Jim. He was one amazing man/friend. We knew his family almost forever. He will never be forgotten. His memory will live on forever.

Joy, Rebecca and Chris and family, and rest of Darling families.

We are sorry to see that Jim has passed.
He was a wonderful guy always had time to speak.
He will be missed by all that knew him.
Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.

To the Darling family, our sincerest condolences on your loss. Thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Clayton and Jane Hefley

Legend is so fitting for Jim,, Sure was,, He will be missed,, Sorry for your loss..

Especially to Joy and the Special Daughters and the Darling Family, they made it our Family. We send our sympathy and prayers and love ❤️ We pray for their strength to always remember the true strength of their loved one as he soars as high as the clouds to the gates of Heaven! To Gunther he was a man of steel with a Smile you would never forget. If you were sad ,Jim would instantly brighten up your day, if it was raining, he would make the sun shine ✨️ Yes he said ,he never had a bad day , and being around Jim ,he truly made your day great also! Rest In Peace Our Freind, YOU will never be forgotten

Joy, Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and families..
My Sincere Sympathy in your loss of your loved one.
May all your fond memories be a comfort in the days
to come…
Rest In Peace Jim, you will be missed…
MaryJane Taylor

To all the Family
Our deepest condolences go out to all. Thinking of you at this sad time. Jim was a great guy !

Dear Joy and family, Jacqui and Randy,
We are sorry to hear of Jim’s untimely passing. What a huge loss for you all.
I hope you find comfort in your treasured memories of a good man, husband, father, grandfather, brother and brother-in-law.

To all of Jim’s family we extend our sincere sympathy!
Such a shock and unexpected for such a young active man.Take good care ,stick together and God will see you through if you ask.
Jerry and Alice Maclean

Joy. Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and families as well as Jack, Joe and Jeff and their families. Our condolences to all . Jim accomplished so much as a butcher and business man and contributed greatly to our community. He loved his wife and family and we hope the memories will comfort you. He is certainly a man we will always remember for his friendly smile and top notch butchering. His work ethic was superb.

A well respected gentleman who I had the pleasure to work with at Darling’s store several years ago.
My sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends for their loss. He will be truly missed.
R.I.P. Jim

Dear Mrs. Darling & Family,
In the love that surrounds you, may you find strength in memories you cherish and may you find peace. Know that friends are thinking of you and remembering you in their prayers. 🙏🏻💔
With Heartfelt Sympathy,
Randy & Laura Tredenick

Rebecca, chris, Abbie, Maiya and Hunter,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. We are thinking of you and sending thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Much love from us.
Chris, Kate, Kayleigh and Connor

Dear Joy and family…Our sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. He was always smiling. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Al and Nancy Quinn.

This is a real shock to me. I cut his hair many times, he was always in a good mood, I hope you all know what a good guy he is. May you all fined the strength you need. He was one of the good guys.

My sincere condolences to you and your family I am so sorry..god bless..worked for Jeff knew jim..what a wonderful man rest in peace my friend..you are now an angel

Our deepest sympathies to the Darling family. It was a shock to hear of Jim’s passing. Many fond memories as far back as being neighbors on Sanders St. growing up with the Darling family. Thinking of all of you.
Mike & Lynn Veri

Our sincere condolences to your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers

Annie and Jeff Lindenfield

Sincere sympathy to the entire Darling Family,. Our thoughts & prayers are with each one of you.May your precious memories help each one thru this difficult time. Bill , Audrey & Larry Rowe

Sarah, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Wendy McIntosh

To Joe and Diane and the rest of the Darling family, so sorry for your loss. We met him a few times and he always made us feel welcomed.

So sorry for your loss. Jim was a joy to work for and have a drink with. Our sincere condolences. Mike and Lena Hodgins.

So sorry to hear about Jim. He always made grocery shopping such a pleasure. This is a huge loss for our community. He will be fondly remembered by so many. Our thoughts and our hearts are with Joy, and Jim’s family during this very sad time.
Take care and peace be with you all.

Angela and Kim McLean

My sincere condolences to the Darling family. Jim was one of the most pleasant people I have ever had the pleasure to know and work with. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. I’m sure you have a million memories to hold close.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to your families in this time sorrow. Our thoughts are with you

Joy and family-My heartfelt condolences to each of you at this most difficult time- my thoughts and prayers are with you now and the days ahead-Catherine Shantz

To Joy,and all the Darling family.Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.Many great memories of working at the store in Exeter.He was a family man.He will surely be missed.Our thoughts&prayers.

Very sad to hear the news of Jim’s passing. We have fond memories of a lovely neighbor. Our heartfelt sympathies to the entire family.

We send our thoughts and prayers to all of the Darling family!
Jim Barnetson worked for him at Darlings for several years and belonged to Lions with him! He was a wonderful man!
He will be missed!
R.I.P. Jim Darling!🙏

We were sad to hear of Jim’s passing, he will be greatly missed.

Dave and Karen (McArthur) Hill

I am so sorry for your loss. My condolence to all the darling family.

Jack, Ann and family. My deepest condolence on the passing of Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the Daring family during this most difficult time.

We are so sorry to hear such sad news! Our sincere condolences to Joy and the entire Darling family.

Jeff and Jenni Heywood

Joy, Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa & Megan,
We are deeply saddened and shocked with the difficult and unexpected loss of your beloved family matriarch, Jim. Jim Darling and I have had an immutable friendship for a 1/2 century. Jackie and I will miss his crooked grin and twinkling eye while raising a glass to toast you, us or simply….because it’s a great day to be alive. Alive to be of service to his family, his friends and his passionate master craft of butchering. Jim saw an indisputable gorgeousness in everyone’s life; even on a rainy day he would lug his way in carving a path for light and good cheer to find you. On our French River fishing adventures life long friendships were stitched together as Jim saluted the dawn of each day raising a morning glass (with a dribble of orange juice) saying, “Here’s to Morning Smiles”. We are blessed to have been part of Jim’s journey in this life and know the universe has opened wide to receive his “Morning Smiles” too. May those smiles shine down and warm all your hearts on the difficult path to celebrate the stuff of a true Legend.
In love & light,
Jim and Jackie Rowe

Sincere condolences to all Jim’s family. I remember many fun times as well as all
the work days, as I worked for Jim at the IGA and the the Foodland chain. I worked
for Jim for forty years. Jim was a hard working man but I found him ever so
easy to work for. Most of my time with Jim was in the Lucan store. Cherish your
memories.

so sorry to. Hear of Jim’s passing my thoughts and prayers are with Joy and the girls his brothers. Rest In Peace Jim.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss..our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Someone so special can never be forgotten, gone from sight but never from our hearts

Rebecca, Chris,Abbie,Maiya & Hunter & Your Family
My Sincere Sympathy.

It is with heart felt sadness that we extend our deepest sympathy
to the Darling Family.
Jim was always with a smile on his face, a whistle in the air and pep in his step.
Jim will certainly be missed by all. May the memories he gave us, live on long in
our hearts.
Rest in peace Jim.
A toast to you, with one of those infamous morning smiles we partook of so many mornings.
Janice & Eugene

Alyssa.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time. On the few occasions we had the pleasure of being in Jim’s company he always made us feel welcome and a part of the family, a true Gentlemen and a real character to be sure. We are honouring Jim tonight by grilling some of his famous hamburgers that you so kindly shared the recipe.
Our sincere condolences.
Rick and Dawn Tessaro

The Darlings of Exeter were part of my lifefor more that 50 years and we the four J’s grow into successful and kind men. Fred and Shirley wecomed us to their home on many ocassions as did the wondreful Marion. Jim one day many years ago and his dad coerced me at age 40 to ride a “bronc” in the then famous Wxeter Rodeo;I ached for weeks. JIm the older brother made his mark in the meat & food industry. He and his brothers were pround of their families as they grew. I know Jim will be missed, he was a force and whose memory will be cherished.

Joy your beautiful daughters, and the Darling families. Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen ,unheard,but always near. Still loved, Still missed, and very dear. A great man , who will truly be missed. RIP, Best Butcher Ever.

To Sarah, Tom and entire Darling family, We are so sorry for your loss. Such an icon in the community and will be missed by many. Cherish all of your wonderful family memories ❤️

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincere condolences from the entire Veal family to you Joy and your girls. Well we bought our first home from you and Jim and had a ball being neighbours with you. A truly great hard working butcher and just an all around swell guy. Had fun with him and his compadres up at the French river and when we used to put on the neighborhood fireworks on Sanders. We will never forget this great man. Cheers Jim !!!

I am truly saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim (aka Captain America I think we called him) was my first real boss in my working career, He was energetic & inspiring, & taught me pretty much every department the store had as well as Customer Service which is invaluable in any future field.
Team trips to larger competitors to evaluate merchandising ideas and share opinions are some fun memories I have. (Including his smirk when I tried to order Salisbury steak at a Christmas dinner.)
I’m a business owner today and entrenched in sales, and appreciate the time & trust that was taken then.
I think of “ happy & hardworking” when I think of Jim.
Condolences to the Darling family. Wendy (Weido) Fenton, or as Jim called me “The Big ‘Dub” (WW)

Joy, your wonderful daughters and all the family. – Sending my heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
Our families grew up together and Joy, you and I worked together for many years.I know how proud Jim was of his family and your pictures expressed the love and the “ fun” you all shared. That wonderful smile and warm greeting will be remembered by many. Take care of each other and special thoughts to Joy.

Dear Sarah and the entire Darling family, the sudden loss of a loved one brings no greater pain. May you find comfort in your memories, and peace in knowing that his spirit will always protect you. God Bless.

We are sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to Joy and the Darling family.

Bonnie Ratz and Al Taylor

To the Darling family,
Our sincere sympathies on the passing of Jim. He will be missed by so many. May your memories comfort you at this very sad time.

So saddening to here of the passing of our friend Jim our condolences to his family & friends Bill & Bonnie McNutt

Joy and family,
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim loved his family and your memories of him will live on in all your hearts.

To Joy and family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sad time.
May all your memories of a wonderful husband, father and great human being comfort you .
Jim was indeed such a friendly and upbeat individual. He leaves many friends and associates to mourn as well. You are not alone.
Doug and Phyllis Johnson

To the Darling Family.
I give you my sincere condolence on the sudden loss of Jim. Jim and his family ran a unique grocery store that I am sure drew customers from far and wide. They had a meat counter second to none and my family use to make the trip to Exeter from Mitchell as Darling’s had the best hams and side bacon and I would imagine Jim likely knew my uncle Roger by name as he use to buy all his hams from your store and he catered to grilled hams for different functions. Later on when I got older I use to make the trip to Exeter for you guessed it, side bacon and hams.
Grocery stores like Darlings are unfortunately almost a thing of the past as most bring in all their cured meats and I know people from the area sure miss Jim’s store.
I am sure if the walls couyld talk? there would be lots of great stories and memories for us customers but at least the Darling Family has most of them to treasure.
I hope yous all hold one another tightly during this difficult time and remember all the great times with JIM, he really was a Legend!

To the Darling Family. So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will be greatly missed in the community. RIP Jim

Deepest sympathy to Joy and Family.
The big guy will be missed. many many good memories live on.
Jims bar and Grill, was the best.
RIP Jim,,,,,,,,

Our very “Deepest Sympathies” to you Joy, girls and families. Jim was always a very special family friend. The big guy will be truly missed!!
Sending Hugs……..Anmarie and David

To Joy and your entire family. So sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you at this time and in the future.
Bob and Bernice Boogemans

Dear Joy and Family
We are shocked and saddened at the passing of Jim. We first met Jim when he and John played ball for the Crescent Rolls and remember the many times he barbecued at our sorority parties. We will remember his huge smile, which he always wore and the twinkling eyes and little smirk when he was talking to you. Hold all the wonderful memories close and he will always be with you. Trusting that these memories will provide comfort as you walk this journey without him. He will be missed by the whole community.

Joy, Sarah, Rebecca, Allysa, Megan and families, we are so sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. Deepest sympathies to you all.

Joy & girls
Our thoughts are with you today. Jim was a character no doubt and so fiercely proud of his family.
We always enjoyed that smile and his teasing when he came to pick up his rabbit feed. And dad always smiled when he spoke his name. You must have so many great memories.
Barry & Melonie Miller

To The Darling Family

Well Exeter has lost a little bit of history today, Cherished his friendship, so many great memories, he will be missed by many

Dear Alyssa and the Darling family. Our deepest condolences to you at this time. It was a pleasure to spend time with your Dad and family during our University years – such a welcoming person. Our thoughts are with you in the time ahead – may your memories be a comfort to you.

Jim will be so missed .
I saw him work hard and I saw him play hard.
He was in his happy place when chasing down a run away 4H steer east of Exeter or riding his horse wildly through the brush . He always shone brightly when his friends gathered.
The leather hat just seemed right.
Thanks for the memories Jim. Your legend lives on.

To the Darling Family
It is with a heavy heart that I heard of Jim’s passing. My deepest condolences to the Family. I know he will be geatly missed by everyone.
Keeping all of you in my thoughts.

Joy and family……I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. May the memories you
cherish in your heart give you peace and comfort now and in the coming days.

Joy and the Darling family:

So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. Cherish the wonderful memories. Sincerely Don & Joan

So very sorry to hear of your Dads passing. It is very hard to get through it. I still grieve for my mom and dad and brothers. The 💕takes on a lot. Love uncle Don and aunt Sharee

Dear Rebecca, we were so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this sad time. Please know that we are thinking of you. Denise & Family

Joy and Girls
We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathy at this most difficult time. We will remember Jim for his consistent positive outlook, his strong work ethic and his wonderful smile.

The Darling family : Sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. I always smile when I think of the business dealings helping setup the butcher shop, back in the distant past. He was a character.

Jim & Mary

Dear Joy and entire Darling Family, it was nice to see you and Jim this summer at Chucks Roadhouse in Grand Bend. Looking at all the pictures I can see he had a beautiful Family..We grew up in Exeter together and he was always fun to be with…He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, enjoy your wonderful memories, with Sympathy Jacqui & Charlie

To Alyssa, Roger, Lexi, Zoe and Ryan, we wish you our deepest condolences in this tough time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Stay strong. Love the Lentine’s

Joy and family, Darling family, heartfelt condolences on Jim’s passing. He was a great butcher, and a very friendly man. Always had a smile for everyone. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sarah, Tom, Eva, Jack and the entire Darling Family,

May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this challenging time. Lean on them to remind you of the joy your Dad (and all his other roles) brought into so many lives.

To all the Darling families
We are so sorry and sad to hear of Jim’s passing he for sure was one of the best.
Always a great smile and his greeting to me was always how is mother of Mucketts (Brad) today.
RIP Jim and thank you 🙏

Joy, Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan, Jack, Joe, Jeff and families:
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time in your loss of Jim. Hold on to his wonderful memories that will forever be treasures you will carry in your hearts. Deepest Sympathy.

Saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. Used to work for Jim at the Darlings IGA in Exeter. Lost a good man too early in life. Our sincere condolences to the whole family
Uwe, Thea & Kai Wisch

With a sad heart sending condolences to Joy, Sarah, Rebecca ,Alyssa,and Megan ,your father and husband was truly one of a kind he will surely be missed by all who had the chance to meet Jim was the best boss ,co work and confidant always listen and gave advice when asked for it . Was my pleasure to work with Jim and his family for the years I worked at Darlings cheers to one of the best Peter and Linda

Joy and Family
We were sorry to read of the passing of Jim.
Jim was a very special man and will be missed by everyone who knew him.
With our deepest sympathy and understanding at this sad time.
Words, however kind, cannot mend your heartache,
but those who care and share your loss, wish you comfort and peace of mind.

We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a special man, always upbeat and positive, and will be remembered fondly. Our thoughts are with Joy and all of Jim’s family.

Jim and I (Mhairi ) are sending heart felt condolences to Jim and Joy’s entire family. I knew Jim in the 60’s when his father dated and married Marion. Jim was one of the nicest humans I have ever known. Big hugs to you Joy ,my sorority sister. Hugs to you all!

So sorry for your loss Joy and families, thoughts and prayers are with you all

My condolences to the family.

Dear Joy, I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s sudden passing. While I haven’t seen you for more than 20 years, thinking of Jim brought a big smile to my face. One of my boys has a picture of their dad, Tony Lombardi, taken while 4 wheeling with Jim one very muddy and rainy day way back when. The smile on Tony’s face is priceless. Even though he was covered in mud – I mean covered! – he was laughing his a** off. All because of this most amazing day he had with Jim Darling! Tony had many laughs with Jim, Joe and Jeff while in the grocery business – and he valued their friendship, their knowledge and know-how, their wit and their skill. I know the depth of your sadness is an equal measure to the depth of your love. Sending you and your girls and their families my sincere condolences.

Condolences to all of Jim’s girls, Joy, Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa and Megan. Jim was everything you could ever want in a man. Loyal as hell, hardworking, funny and full of life. My memories of him will live long – snowmobile days, wrestling trips to London and backyard barbecues.
He lit up every space he was in and I will remember that smile of his forever.
May the wonderful memories fill your broken hearts during this difficult time.
Hugs to you all,
Lisa

To Joy and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I remember as kids going to help Jim at the slaughter house and then after the work was done, we would head down to the Derby Dip for a burger and fries (and maybe a foot long and some onion rings). A lot of time has passed from those days and we have fond memories of the annual Darling pool parties. I’ll always remember arriving at Jim’s and get a big hand shake (he had a grip that could make a grown man cry) he’d look at me with a big smile on his face and say “good to see me”. Jim would always know how to bring a smile to your face.
He was a true family man and nobody worked harder than he did.
We will miss that big smile.

Dear Joy, girls and families,
I am so very sorry for your loss…my husband Isidore, worked for Jim back some years ago, and enjoyed every day he was with him. He was a kind and generous man…an icon in the industry! May your precious memories see you thru this dark time and carry you forward.
Thinking of you all.
Paula laPorte

Joy
On behalf of the Exeter Tuesday Ladies golf our thoughts are with you and your family at the loss of your husband Jim.

Dear Joy and Family,
We are sending our deepest sympathy at this very sad and difficult time. We will be thinking of you all in the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely, Paul and Barb Storey

Sending our heartfelt condolences to Joy, the entire family and all who loved Jim.

It was a common sight , back in the seventies to see Jim bombing in the lane at the home farm, on a Summer Sunday with ‘little Jeff’ behind him on the bike. He stopped by often to check on the progress of the cattle and chat.

More recently, it was a pleasure to say “hello” to him on our Metzger runs.

We are so very sorry for your great loss.

Our sincere condolences to the entire Darling family. Jim was a Legend, a true family man and he made such an incredible impact on the community. Sending lots of love during this difficult time. Xo Michelle & Paulo Branco

To the Darling Family
My sincere condolences, thinking about you all at this difficult time.

Our thoughts are with the Darling Family during this sad time.

Sincerest Condolences from our family to all of you.

Chris (Parsons) & Peter Moore
🌻

Sorry for your loss. Jim was a strong hard worker. Liked by everyone. His name will be forever remembered in the history of butchers and Exeter. RIP Jim. No more pain.

To Joy, girls and the entire Darling family,

Words cannot express the sadness and loss since Jim’s passing. Jim was like a father figure to Dan and we loved him dearly. The sound of his whistle, that permanent smile on his face, his love for our calves and for all of you was so special.
Our thoughts and prayers will definitely be with you in the coming days as you hold his memories close to your hearts. He will be watching over you from above and whistling his tune when he is near.
May cowboy Jim live on in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him.
We will cherish all he brought to Dan and remember him always.
Our sincerest condolences to you all and his beautiful family,
Dan, Pam, Hayden and Colton Shapton

So sorry for your loss!! He will be missed by many!

Joy,
Sarah, Rebecca, Alyssa, Megan and families;
My deepest sympathy to all of you. He will be missed, certainly by you, and also the community.
Focus on the happy events and recall the fun things that you did !!
I have such good memories of our days at EPS

We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was truly “one of a kind”. His ready smile and interest in everyone he spoke to, never mind being the best butcher ever, made him such a good guy. So sorry for your loss.

Very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing.

Although I have not seen Jim for over fifty years I have a great story to tell of the day he and I went fishing together on a summer day in the early to mid 1960s somewhere on the Ausable River between MacNaughton Park and the Morrison Dam. After we had fished for a few hours it was time for lunch. I had my usual peanut butter and jam sandwich and watched in astonishment as Jim produced a lunch clearly taken right off the shelves of his family’s grocery store: a big bag of Hostess potato chips and a box of little donuts covered in white icing sugar plus two bottles of Pepsi.

Jim must have noticed my drooling because not long after we started eating our respective lunches he asked me if I would like to have one of the donuts. I gratefully accepted his offer, and I think that by the time we headed home I had had a few more.

In the many years that followed whenever I was out fishing and started to feel a bit hungry I would think back to the day when Jim shared his sugar donuts with me.

Deepest sympathies to the entire family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Jim was a hard working man and loved his family. Cherish the good memories.

Dear Joy and Family
Our sincere condolences. Great memories of Jim will be with all of us forever. His gentle manner, firm handshake and always a big smile!
Take care
Jim and Marg Collez

My memories of a precious (and colourful) childhood in Exeter go back several years, now – decades actually.

For me — and I know for Jon, John and Jack … for Ron and Denton as well — Jim was an important part of so many of those memories. 

These many postings tell of his warmth,  his cheerfulness and his kindness; and prove again that we never forget how others made us feel – even decades later.

All of you are in my thoughts. I hope each day is a little easier.

I had alot of fun with Jim at the shop. My condolences to his family.

Bob Fisher

We were so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Whenever we did a pick-up at Metzger’s, it was always a delight to see Jim. He was always working hard, but never missed a chance to share his big, contagious smile and a word of kindness. We are so sorry for your loss.
Sharon & Gerald Kodde

I had the privilege of working with Jim behind the meat counter as my first paying job.
He was such a joy to work with and had the biggest smile for everyone and anyone..
Whenever you heard his whistle you knew all was well with the world…
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Darling brothers and families …he was another one of “the good guys”!