May 17, 1948 - November 3, 2023.
Jim passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on November 3, 2023, at the age of 75. He was a loving husband to Honey for 53 years and a devoted father to Ron (Shannon) and Rick (Christa). Jim was a proud grandpa to his five grandsons Devon, Tristan, Jaden, Logan and Brad. Jim will be greatly missed by his extended family, his many close friends and his furry friend “Bear”.
Jim made a lasting impression on his community in countless ways. Over his lifetime, he served as a Skilled Tradesman, College Teacher, Baseball Coach, Lions Club Member and President of the Bradford Snowmobile Club. In 2008 the Town of Bradford named a baseball field “The Jim Derry Field” in recognition of all his fundraising efforts with the Lions Club.
Jim was a talented Sheet Metal Journeyman specializing in custom sheet metal fabrication. He ran a successful sheet metal business for many years and then entered “semi-retirement” where he continued to do what he loved. Jim was still “banging metal” in his shop and enjoying coffee break visits with friends in his final months. Anyone who got to know Jim, soon realized that he lived by the words “work hard - play hard.” He loved to fish and ATV in the summer months and snowmobile in the winter months. Jim’s “happy place” was at his cottage in Eagle Lake. Over the years his cottage friends had become his second family, and he couldn’t wait to get up there to enjoy his weekends with all of them.
Many knew Jim as a family man, through-and-through. Nothing could ever stop him from experiencing “life” with his family. Over the years he found great joy watching his grandsons play sports, and loved family gatherings where he could hang out and chat about life. His grandchildren will never forget the countless memories made at the cottage whether it be fishing, snowmobiling, boat rides and relaxing on the beach.
Jim never let his illness get in the way of his love for life and he fought hard until the very end. He never gave up on the hope that he could extend his time with family and friends. Jim, we hope you can rest easy now after being a warrior for over a decade. Your family and friends will cherish the memories made with you.
Special thanks to the caring staff at Southlake for the wonderful care Jim received over the years.
If desired, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements entrusted to Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home