James Douglas Darling, 82 of Milroy

James Douglas Darling, 82, of Milroy, passed away at 10:05 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026. He was born on May 19, 1943, in Binghamton, New York, the son of Joseph Alva and Elizabeth Blanch (Pickens) Darling. James served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and with the Navy reserves for 3 years. After the Navy he moved to Jamestown, New York in 1964 with his wife, Norma Darling, whom he married September 1, 1963, and their two daughters Carol and Jane. He worked at Parkside Lincoln Mercury in Jamestown, New York. He moved to southern Indiana in 1990 and has resided in Milroy since 2009. James married his second wife, Dorothy Thompson on October 18, 1993, in Vernon, Indiana. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW in Rushville. His enjoyments were going to church, playing bingo, the casino and going on cruise ships. James was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, JoAnn Marc; his wife Norma Darling; his 2^nd wife, Dorothy Darling and a grandson Ryan Balcom. He is survived by his brother, Edward and Mary Darling and nephew, Edward Darling of Westfield, Indiana. His daughter, Carol Balcom and granddaughter, Katrina Balcom of Bemus Point, New York; his daughter Jane (Todd) Smith and grandson, Aaric Smith and a granddaughter, Cassondra Smith of Hampton, Virginia; his sisters’ children, nephew Jason Robinson of Vail, Arizona and niece, Jody Robinson of Greenley, Colorado. He also had 39 step grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren. Following James’ wishes he will be cremated, and burial will be at Indiana Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Madison. The family will have a private celebration of life service at a later date. Bass & Gasper Funeral Home in Westport has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association through the funeral home. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com