James Derby
1940 - 2015

James (Jim) Merlin Derby, 74, of Hughesville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday Sept. 3rd, 2015, surrounded by his beloved family. There is a lot that can be said of Jim. He touched countless lives in many ways. He was loved by all and his wife and family adored him. He was always devoted to his family. He always put them before himself. He was born in Jackson, Michigan on November, 29th, 1940 to Leo Bernard Derby and Velma Sharp Derby. As he grew up, he moved to many places, from sunny Florida to cold New York State. After several different occupations from salesman to baker, and serving in the Army Reserves, he found his calling as a carpenter in his 20's. He loved using his hands to craft beautiful works of art with wood as his medium. From whole entire houses to custom furniture, every project was articulately crafted with care and attention to detail. Always humble though, he simply referred to himself as a “box builder.”

Aside from his love of carpentry and craftsmanship, he had a deep love of reading and music. He would constantly be borrowing books from the local library and would read through a few each week in the quiet, early hours of the day before the sun would come up. In his younger years, he would play the saxophone and accordion in a rock band, but that faded away as he grew into adulthood and settled down with his first wife, Diane, and started to grow his family. Always, though, throughout the entirety of his life, his passion for music remained strong.

More than anything, the most important aspects of Jim's life were his relationship with the Lord and his family. Reading the Lord's word and reflecting upon them, were important parts of his daily routine. Going to church each week and having the fellowship of the congregation always helped him and his relationship with the Lord. The men's group at Agape Fellowship was a highlight of his week each and every week.

And like his relationship with God, his relationship with his family was of the utmost importance. He cherished his wife, Karen, from the day that they married until his death 43 years later and constantly showed her love and affection throughout their marriage. He was a dedicated father who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to sit with them in the mornings, reading with them, cuddling them on the couch, letting them “help” him work in his shop. He enjoyed taking special daddy and kid days and making trips with them to the grocery store. He was patient with them and really, truly loved interacting with them on their level.

As he grew older and his children had children of their own, he was always there for the little ones just as he was for his own offspring. He especially loved their young artistic drawings and always cherished how sweet and kindhearted all of his children and grandchildren were. He was always there when his family needed him and was a vast fount of knowledge for them. Each and every single member of his family would come to Jim when they needed advice or someone to talk to. They knew that he would steer them in the right direction.

Jim's love and devotion to family is still alive and well today in those who he is survived by: his wife, Karen; his children: Deborah, James, David, Katherine, Allison, and Alexander; as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Danielle, Russ, Rachael, Elizabeth, Laura, Christopher, Samantha, Katelyn, Max, Jacob, Elise, Jocelyn, Vivian, Kaelynn, and Evan. Each of them is a legacy that Jim has left. Each and every member of his family have seen what love is like, through Jim, and will continue to love and support one another, lifting each other up during difficult times and celebrating with each other during momentous days to come.

A memorial service will be held at Agape Fellowship,485 East Third St., Williamsport, on Tuesday, Sept. 8th at 11:00 a.m.