James Michael Darst

James Michael Darst, 76, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with heart failure.

Jim was born on November 8, 1949, in Tyler, Texas, to Thomas John Darst Sr. and Elsie Ulm Darst. He was one of ten children in a close-knit family whose love and support remained important throughout his life.

After moving to Houston, Jim attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School and Mount Carmel High School, where he served on Student Council, was elected Student Body President his senior year, and proudly managed the football team.

Jim graduated from the University of St. Thomas, where he was a member of the University Singers. While attending college, he worked as a certified Physician Assistant for five surgeons, demonstrating the compassion and dedication that would characterize his life.

He began his career in the oil and gas industry as a purchasing agent. In 1979, Jim fulfilled his entrepreneurial dream by founding Apollo Custom Metals. He later became a partner in an Executive Suite business, and in 1995 established Home CPR, a residential contracting company.

In 1998, Jim married the love of his life, Mary. Their marriage was marked by devotion, kindness, and countless thoughtful gestures. One of Jim's favorite traditions was bringing Mary a bouquet of roses every week—a simple expression of the love they shared.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his daughters from his first marriage, Danielle Coleman (Brian) and Stephanie Conrey (Ryan); his stepchildren, Bill Moll (Mary), Chris Moll (Jacquelyn), and Robin Meagher (Bob); his siblings, Mary Anne Speck (Paul), Elsie Biron (Beau), Tom Darst Jr. (Sandy), John Darst (Anne), Paul Darst (Nancy), Joe Darst (Luz), Miriam Darst, Frankie and Loretta Darst. He was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Darst.

He was grandfather to Lizzie, William, Thomas, Joey, Lucy, Christian, Evelyn, Cassie, Reghan, Cade, Kailey and great-grandfather to Emma & Cam.

Jim loved God, his family, children, fishing, and spending time on the water. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he had just met, Jim always had another story to tell—and usually a few more after that. His storytelling, quick smile, and genuine interest in people

made everyone feel welcome. He had a remarkable way of turning everyday moments into memorable conversations.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to VITAS Healthcare and especially to his devoted caregiver, Bobbie Byrd, for the compassionate care, comfort, and kindness they provided during Jim's final months.

Jim's legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the many lives he touched through his faith, generosity, friendship, and gift for making everyone feel like an old friend.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1:00pm at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079.

Pall bears: Chris Moll, Bill Moll. Bob Meagher, Brian Coleman, Mike Silva, Allen Aday, John Darst

Honerary: Carl Griggar, Mike Tharton, Bible Study Class