James Payne Darnell

James Payne Darnell of Glenn Heights, Texas passed away on July 28, 2025. He was born in May of 1944 in Augusta, Georgia. After graduating high school, James (known as Rusty) received his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Natural Sciences from Campbell University in North Carolina before serving four years in the U.S. Army as an engineer and artillery surveyor. Following his military service and a bout of teaching cadets, he worked for various engineering and telecommunications companies, ultimately retiring from the VA hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. A true dog lover, Rusty especially cherished his Husky and Doberman Pinschers. He enjoyed woodworking and hand-crafting everything from furniture to figurines. A gun enthusiast as well as a confident tinkerer, he was always fixing, building, and/or helping someone with a project. Known for his vast knowledge, dependability, strong opinions, sharp wit, and outrageous sass, Rusty will be remembered fondly by those who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Martha Darnell; sibling, B.J. Darnell; and spouse, Judy Rae Darnell.

He is survived by his children, Sarah Darnell-Dodd and Gwen Darnell; and his grandchild, Riley Dodd.

No services are planned at this time.

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