Jimmy Burl Darby

Jimmy was born and raised in Pittsburg, Texas, where his family owned a farm near Highland Club Lake. He often reminisced about the fresh strawberries, watermelons, and peaches grown there. Jimmy attended Pittsburg High School from 1953 to 1956. Jimmy passed away at the age of 86, on Sunday, November 23, 2025 in Magnolia, Texas.

He always spoke fondly of his parents, J.B. and Eula Darby, and his older sister, Virginia, who were well respected in the Pittsburg community for their piety, trustworthiness, and strong work ethic. Jimmy was a former member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pittsburg, a congregation the Darby family helped establish many years ago by donating land and offering their support.

Jimmy served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1965 as a Boiler Technician aboard the destroyers USS Jarvis (DD-799), USS Dixie (AD-14), and USS Richard B. Anderson (DD-786). His duties included controlling the flow of steam to the turbines that powered the ships. During his service, Jimmy visited Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and several other Far East ports, and he experienced two typhoons while at sea. He loved sharing stories about his time in the Navy and the impact it had on his life.

After leaving the Navy, Jimmy worked as a plasterer in Corpus Christi, Texas, for 32 years and served as President of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA) Local 783. Jimmy was a highly skilled craftsman, and his beautiful plaster work still adorns many prominent buildings in Corpus Christi and Victoria. He worked long hours, in all conditions, at many different locations throughout the Coastal Bend.

Jimmy was married to Jeanette Morris Darby, and together they raised three children—Deborah, Stewart, and Brian—at 4221 Herndon Street, where the family lived for 60 years. Jimmy took meticulous care of his yard and, on several occasions, won first prize for the most beautiful lawn in the area. After retirement, he maintained his fitness by walking four to eight miles a day, either through the neighborhood or, in bad weather, at a local mall. Jimmy was a people person who loved socializing with friends, especially his best friend Shawn Flanagan, who lived across the street. Well known throughout the neighborhood, Jimmy was the glue that gave the area a true sense of community.

Jimmy was also an enthusiastic motorcyclist, owning several Harley-Davidson motorcycles and participating in the Gypsy Motorcycle Club for many years. He and Jeanette often took long rides across Texas with the club and enjoyed the dancing and other activities it offered. In addition to motorcycling, Jimmy was an avid quail hunter.

Jimmy is survived by his step-daughter, Deborah Williams of Hillsboro, OH; step-son, Stewart Morris of Corpus Christi, TX; along with many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Morris Darby; parents, JB and Eula Mims Darby; stepson, Brian Morris; and sister, Virginia Darby Sharrer.

Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, December 6, 2025 at Crossroads Cemetery in Camp County with Rev. John Coleman officiating. There will be a visitation held before the service at Erman Smith Funeral Home beginning at 1:30 P.M. until 2:30 P.M.

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