Just learned of Jim’s passing.  Time marches on, but you really never want to see certain special people leave us.  I worked with Jim at Judson School in the Security/Safety Department (‘86-‘91).  What an outstanding gentleman!  Always with a smile on his face and beloved by the boarding students he cared for.  I was proud to be counted as one of his friends.  You lived a full and honorable life Jim,  and left many, many people with great memories.  God’s speed my friend.
   -Greg Lawritson

Dear Derr Family,
I wish I could be there for Uncle Jimmy's service today. Since I can't be there in person, I will write some words of respect here.

This morning I have been thinking a lot about how Jimmy was an important father figure for my mother. When I was younger, I didn't think about it much but my mom would talk fondly about the summer in the '60s she spent with the Derrs in California. She enjoyed her summer there and talked fondly about her red convertible  that she drove around that summer. The car had no AC, so she nicknamed it her Red Roaster (maybe the real model name was Roadster). Anyway, my mother was a college student at Rice University at the time. She was a very studious college student,  and she was majoring in biology. Despite her dedication to her studies, she did not pass Calculus. That was discouraging but my mom has grit and decide that she would just re-take this required course during the summer. Somehow, she ended up living with you Derrs in California, taking Calculus over again at UC Berkeley. Fortunately, she passed Calculus the second time and got to spend the summer with her cool California branch of the family. My mom always considered that summer a fun adventure. But, now that I am older, I realize it was much more than that. Jimmy and Dorothy opened their home to my mother even though they were busy raising four young kids of their own. And she didn't stay for a weekend. She must have stayed for two months while she took that Math class. Jimmy was a steady, loving father figure for my mother at an important time, a time when my mom was on the outs with her stepfather. Even though my mother grew up in Texas and Jimmy lived then in California, despite that distance, The Derr home was a needed sanctuary for my mom that summer, and Jimmy and Dorothy offered that did that despite all their other obligations. I am grateful, and I know that my mother is, too. God Bless, Uncle Jimmy. 

Love,
Theresa (Junior)

Sending all our love and remembering all the special times. Dad/Grandpa was such a respectable man and always had such great stories to tell and adventures to share. We will miss him very much. 

Michael House and Family

Jim Derr was a man loved and admired by many. I happen to be one of the lucky ones to have had him  in my life for over 40 years. Gary and I welcomed him into our family when he married Lydia . We quickly grew to love him and often looked to Jim for his sage advice.  Beneath his even-tempered mannerisms, there was true strength and wisdom. His passion for his country and his family was truly admirable. His unwavering generosity, love, and support was unparalleled. I am a better person because of Jim Derr and I am blessed to  have called him my father-in-law.  Love, Debbie 

Dad’s first retirement position. He loved his job at Judson School. The students dedicated a yearbook to him one year. He was loved. 

Dad and Reenie when she was just a little one.  Reenie was the fourth daughter to Dad.  

Dad and Lydia many, many years ago.  They were so happy together.  I love this picture. 

Dad, Lydia, Uncle Gil, and me at Kathy and Steve’s for Easter about 5 years ago.  

Dad, grandma Mary and his sisters and brothers. 

Dad’s retirement surprise party from the University of Phoenix. 

Dad’s retirement picture from the Berkeley Fire Department. 

Eternal Rest grant unto him Oh Lord, And may perpetuate light shine upon him, may he rest in peace Amen.

Grandpa, I love you and miss you. I’ll always remember you and your love.  No girl has a grandpa more caring, loving, kind, and wise. I am fortunate and grateful for all of the time and memories we shared. Save a space for me in heaven. And kiss my mama and grandma for me. Rest in love, grandpa. 

OBITUARY

James Anthony Derr

9 October, 1928 – 21 February, 2022

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Golden Door

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