James Darling, of Antigo, died Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at his home. He was 80 years old. He was born on February 22, 1937 in Antigo, a son of James and Maude Alice (Kolerus) Darling. He married Jeanne Pavlichek on August 25, 1962 at St. Wencel Catholic Church, Neva. She survives.

He was a graduate of Antigo High School with the class of 1955. He served as class treasurer for reunions for the past 62 years.

He served in the United Air Force from 1955 until discharge in 1959. Following military service he began working with Liberty Loan in Wausau and was later employed at Dewey Johnson Chevrolet in Antigo as an accountant for 19 years. He was the Office Manager for Duffek Sand and Gravel and Antigo Construction. He retired in 1998. In his retirement he did bookwork for AC Liquidators for several years.

Mr. Darling was a member of St. John Catholic Parish, having served as usher, and was a member and past president of the Board of Education. He was a charter member of the Antigo Optimist Club where he served as president of the local club and Lieutenant Governor of the Northern Wisconsin District. Jim was instrumental in starting the Antigo Youth Hockey Association where he coached and served as president and treasurer. He was a member and treasurer of the Langlade County Historical Society and the Upper Clear Lake Association and was currently serving as alderman on the Antigo Common Council representing the second ward. He volunteered for the Salvation Army as a bell ringer and was a member of United Commercial Travelers.

Jim valued starting each day visiting with the coffee group at Dixie Lunch.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, summers at the lake, spending time with family and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

Survivors including his wife are a daughter, Janelle Darling, Lakeville, MN; two sons, Jay (Debra) Darling, Antigo, Jon (Kimberly) Darling, Wausau; five grandchildren Brittany Darling, Eau Claire, Nicholas Darling (Paige Pelky), Antigo, Brandyn, Benjamin and Bailee Darling, Wausau; one great-grandson Grayson Darling; a sister, Bonnie (Bob) Atkins, Sault St. Marie, MI; a sister-in-law Joan Pavlichek, River Falls; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step father, Charles Strong; a brother-in-law Earl Pavlichek.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday April 18, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Entombment will take place at Queen of Peace Cemetery mausoleum where the Antigo Veterans will conduct military rites.

Visitation will be 3:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday also at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.