Derrick Hibbard

James Derrick Hibbard passed away at the age of 39 on October 20, 2022 after an inspiring, 17-month battle with brain cancer. Derrick’s exceptional life included many interests, but his world revolved around his wife and five children and their faith.

The oldest of seven siblings, Derrick was born in Utah and worked on a farm until his family moved to North Carolina where he graduated from Wellington High School in Charlotte. He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tempe, AZ and graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Philosophy. After earning a law degree at the University of Miami, Derrick began work as an attorney. He joined Locke Lord in 2015 and transferred to Boston as an associate. Hard work and resourcefulness were two of Derrick’s trademarks, as he paid for his entire education and supported his young family while completing his undergraduate and law degrees.

Derrick was a lawyer by vocation, but his sense of adventure bore a closer resemblance to his cinematic hero, Indiana Jones. He explored shipwrecks as a diver, rode 100-mile races as a biker, and climbed cliffs at Acadia National Park. He rescued the family dog from a canal and once wrestled a 300-pound root ball, while living to tell the tale. Derrick loved movies, books and music and was a brilliant storyteller; he authored more than 10 books, including his best-seller, “The Double Stroller Hand Grenade.” During his cancer battle he wrote a novel called “The Grizzly”, which is an autobiography.

Derrick was selfless and committed to all who had the privilege of knowing him; his courage and determination to serve his family, his church and his firm throughout his long illness is an inspiration to all who knew him. Like the apostle Paul, Derrick fought a good fight, he finished his course and he kept the faith.

Derrick is survived by his wife Amanda and their five children, Zoe (15), Liam (14), Adelaide (11), August (6) and George (2) and his parents, Mitch and Lorrie Hibbard (née Lybbert) and siblings, Mitchell, Brady, Peter, Pollie, Savannah, and Madison.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: Dana Farber (https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=danafarber_jimmyfund_landingpage)

Or a contribution to one of his children’s college funds: U529 (https://www.ugift529.com/)

Zoe T73-X0P Liam S7G-X43 Adelaide L68-N77 August C9A-H4M George Y7J-81G

A private burial will take place Thursday October 27th with a memorial to follow at a later date.