Jimmy Lynn Darveau, aged 79, died at Regional West Medical Center June 23, 2026, surrounded by his family.
He was born September 22, 1946, to William E. and Elvena C. (Jespersen) Darveau, both charter members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Alliance. Jim was the third oldest child of eight, with siblings Clyde (Candy), Betty (Marvin), Elaine, Patsy, Jean, Debra, and Jody (Sonja) carrying on the legacy of their parents’ union with many, many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Jim married Deanna Lynn Garrett on June 25, 1967, to which four children were born of this 59-year love affair. Scott (Stacy) of Kearney, Nebraska; Dustin (Sharon) of Mesa, Arizona; Heath (Sarah) of Gilbert, Arizona; and Cassie (Matt) Steggall of Alliance.
Jim took great pride and interest in all the accomplishments of his children, striving they led a better life than his own. Some of the greatest pride he garnered from these four, was the nine grandchildren – Ryan (Kelly), Megan (Zach), Alisha (Devin), Janea, Kirsten, Bryson (Liz), Owen, Quin, Allie and his two great-grandchildren – Camrie and Rylie. You all brought such sparkle to Papa’s eye and light to his spirit.
Other than Jim’s many talents taken from generations of tradesmen, carpenters, and farmers, Jim greatly enjoyed fishing, RV traveling during retirement, and his flower gardens, but his true lifelong passion, besides family, was researching their genealogy. Jim had large archives of electronic and paper documents, letters, and photographs tracing lineages and travels from the old country over to the America’s reaching back to the 1400’s, discovering truly fascinating stories of expansive exploration and discovery.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Alliance, with streaming services available. Interment from cremation will be performed by the family at a later date.
Memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Alliance.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.