James Martin Darity, Jr.

Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant James Martin Darity, Jr., 45, died in McComb, Mississippi on Friday, March 1, 2013.

Mr. Darity was born on February 6, 1968, in Macon. He was a graduate of Jasper County High School, class of 1987, and a member of the Hillsboro Baptist Church. He began his career as a Marine on May 10, 1988, graduating from 3rd BN K Company, Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. He retired March 1, 2008, as a Gunnery Sergeant from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay with 20 years of military service.

Over his career, he had tours at Camp Lejeune, N.C.; MCAS Iwakuni, Japan; Cherry Point, N.C.; Drill Instructor 3rd BN Parris Island, Marine Corps Base, S.C.; Camp Butler, Okinawa; Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. He was awarded numerous awards and decorations, including a Combat Action from Operation Desert Storm in 1990.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 9, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Hillsboro Baptist Church, 2326 Hwy. 11 South, Hillsboro, Ga. 31038. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013, in the Fellowship Hall of Hillsboro Baptist Church. Rev. John McDuffie will officiate.

Mr. Darity was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Pearl Coleman, and father, James M. Darity, Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Nicole Marie Jualiani Darity of Hawaii; sons, James “Jay” Martin Darity, III of Hawaii, and Clayton “Clay” Marcus Darity of Hawaii; step-mother, Sara Morgan Darity of Hillsboro; sister, Denise Darity Campbell of Monticello; and brothers, John R. Darity of Valdosta, and Joshua T. Darity of Billings, Montana; along with several nieces and nephews.

Online condolences can be expressed on Facebook at RIP Jimmy Darity. Mr. Darity always tried to help those around him. To continue his legacy, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate your most precious asset, your time, by volunteering at a worthy organization of your choice. Monetary donations in memory of Mr. Darity should be sent to Hillsboro Baptist Church, P.O. Box 86, 2326 Hwy. 11 South, Hillsboro, Ga. 31038.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhome monticello.com.