James Lee Darst, age 80 of New Carlisle, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Hospice of Dayton. He was born in Dayton on April 29, 1946, the son of Russel W. & Cora (Williams) Darst. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Vietnam War era. He worked at GM Frigidaire and later Harrison Radiator and retired in 1999 after 30 years. He was a regular participant at area car shows and cruise-ins and loved to work on cars and go to the races.

He is survived by his daughters Sharon (Chris) Caudill, Deborah (Steve) LeClair, Michelle Darst and Denise (Shawn) Fouch; grandchildren Christopher (Julia Caudill, Shelby (Emily) Wells, Ashley Wells, Christy LeClair, Austin Molen, Jacob Molen, Skylar Fouch and Jeremy (Kayla) Wells; 12 great grandchildren; brother Roger Darst; sister Joyce (Herb) Behnken; nieces Khristie (Todd) Reed and Angela (Rick) Sizemore.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the ZERKLE FUNERAL HOME, 11900 N. Dixie Dr., Tipp City, Ohio. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. Condolences may be sent to the family through this online guestbook.