The Darby Family

Being new to the Danville area, I knew I wanted to share several success stories so that others could learn with me. My first article featured the Mervis family as Lou Mervis was the founder of Vermilion Advantage. After speaking to others in the community, along with Sybil Mervis, it quickly became apparent that Jim Darby should be featured next. Both Lou and Jim were instrumental in growing Danville and working together to do so.

You may be familiar with the Darby family name from seeing their Sunset Funeral Home commercials. The name Linda Darby-Dowers may be more recognizable by folks today, but if you ask anyone who’s been in Vermilion County for a while, it’s ‘Big Jim’ Darby that you’ll hear about.

A few months ago, I attended a luncheon at Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs Company and got to hear a little bit about the different businesses the Darby family developed. What struck me during that presentation by Ross Darby, grandson of Jim and Chief Operating Officer at Greenwood, Inc., was that it all came down to one idea that ‘Big Jim’ had, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. This intrigued me. How one idea led to such success here in Vermilion County.

I met with Linda recently to learn more about her family and their businesses. Linda serves on our Vermilion Advantage Executive Board and welcomes everyone with a smile and a servant’s heart. After talking to her about Big Jim, I believe he has those same attributes. I had already read his book, “No One Looks Up to a Gravedigger” so I was somewhat familiar with his business. He wanted to own a cemetery but ended up embarking on a journey that would redefine the meaning of compassionate care in the funeral service industry.

I was fortunate enough to tour the Danville locations with Culture Ambassador Scott Dowers. From the first location to the last, it quickly became apparent that everyone there was part of the family. I noted that everyone I met seemed truly happy to be part of the business. Each person I met spoke fondly of ‘Big Jim’. The overall theme was that ‘Big Jim’ has never stopped coming up with ideas, whether it be ways to improve the current businesses or new ideas to try out. His brain never stops. Another common theme was that ‘Big Jim’ always found a way. He didn’t take ‘no’ for an answer and always got the job done. This took me right back to hearing Ross Darby say the same thing about his grandfather!

From owning one cemetery in Danville, Darby knew he wanted to branch out. Next, he started making vault liners, funeral and bronze grave markers and memorial plaques. He’s not only made these products, but he’s also continually improved them over the years creating a foundation for his business, his family, and our community. He knew his next step would be branching into opening funeral homes, the first one being on north Vermilion
Street in Danville, across from his cemetery, Sunset Memorial Park. He was the first to own both a cemetery and a funeral home and helped to have legislation changed to make it happen.

Today the Darby family owns and operates Greenwood, Inc. with Ethan Darby, grandson of Jim, as the Chief Marketing Officer. Greenwood, Inc. is a family of brands consisting of Sunset Funeral Homes, Camino del Sol Funeral Home, Trigard, Trigard Memorials, Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs and Greenwood Plastics Industries. In total these businesses employ 122 people in Vermilion County! Plaques made by Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs can be found at places such as Disney, NASA, Cabo Wabo, and the Ronald Reagen memorial, all made right here in Danville!

In a 2019 article in the News-Gazette with Darby, a quote that stood out to me was “It’s not me, it’s we”. He continues to be a motivator to many. An employee at Greenwood mentioned that he had been on the phone the day before with Big Jim. He had a new idea he was drawing up. At 85, he’s still motivating those around him!

The Darby family also continues to create a beautiful landscape that started with ‘Big Jim’. At the back of the cemetery property is a greenhouse that is heated by machines making plastic sheets for the liners for Greenwood Plastics Industries. In the greenhouse grows many of the plants that you will find at the cemetery. At Memorial Park, you’ll also find a pair of beloved swans named ‘Charlie and Flo’ named after Charles and Florence Darby, parents of Jim.

They acquired the Sunset Memorial Park in 1960. You can even catch the swans on the live pond cam online! Many gather at Memorial Park for photo ops during the year. The Darby family wants Memorial Park to be a happy, inviting place where everyone feels welcome.
The legacy of a family-owned business extends far beyond its products or services. This family-owned business serves as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, heritage, and human connection. It reminds us that success is not solely measured in terms of profits but in the relationships we build, the values we uphold and the impact we have on those around us. The Darby family has preserved that legacy and will for generations.

Daughter Linda said Big Jim’s favorite saying is “that’s good stuff”. After my tours of the different businesses he’s brought to Danville, I couldn’t agree more that Big Jim Darby is in the business of doing “good stuff”. His legacy, work ethic, and commitment to Vermilion County will continue to live on through his family business for years to come.