John Derham Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

DERHAM, John John (Jack) Spellman Derham died of surgery complications at 2:11 PM on Friday, December 12, 2008 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Jack was born in Worcester, MA and lived for 18 years in Uxbridge, MA. He went to the public schools of Uxbridge until completion of his freshman year in high school at which time he attended St. John's Prep. He graduated in June, 1950, just a few days prior to the beginning of the Korean Conflict. He then attended Catholic University in Washington, D.C. After graduation Jack served 4 years, 3 months and 11 days in the United States Marine Corps. During his service he became involved with electronics which set the tone for his future career. His first job following his discharge from the USMC was with the Philco Corp where he began his studies in computer science. He would continue in this profession working for a number of different companies before establishing his own company, Direct Systems, Inc. He was a computer software consultant until his death. Jack leaves his wife, Betty Landrum Derham, of Marietta, Georgia; daughter, Lisa Strader and her husband, Bob, of Alpharetta, GA; daughter, Julie Jbara and her husband, Greg, of Los Angeles, CA; four wonderful grand-children, Caroline, Sarah, Zachary and Aidan; his sister, Rosalie Gittler of New York City, NY; and nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors at H.M. Patterson and Son, Canton Hill, 1157 Old Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30068 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, December 15. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Zion UMC, 1770 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30062 on Tuesday, December 16 at 11:00 AM followed by a military burial at Cheatham Hill Memorial Gardens. Everyone is invited to a reception following the burial services which will be held in the Family Ministry Center at Mt. Zion UMC at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donations to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in memory Jack. JOHN (JACK) SPELLMAN DERHAM

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Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Dec. 14, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Derham

8 Entries

Thomas Kauffman

January 11, 2009

Jack was one of a kind. I instantly was fond of him as our military service joined us at the hip. He was the first man at Mt. Zion that said hello to me and made me feel welcome. Actually, he was probably the reason Mt. Zion initially appealed to me as a church home. Once he popped me on the arm as he slid into the pew behind me. I asked him in a teasing way when was the last time someone had kicked his butt. He laughed and said "Betty, last night". At Fourth of July services, Jack and I stood up at different times when our respective services were announced. I received a knowing nod from 2 men that day, Jack and John Isaacson. You knew that if you were ever in a fire fight, you would want Jack there. I will miss him. He was my kind of man.

Michelle Stone

December 28, 2008

What a sad shock to know Jack has left us. His smile brightened up church every Sunday. He is one good man I know has gone to a better place and to his just reward as one of God's faithful servants. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.

Jim Hazelwood

December 18, 2008

There are all those family members, friends, associates, neighbors, buddies and just folks that knew and admired Jack. His dogs and horses really loved this man. They ran to him when he came outside. The dogs "jumped" into the truck and would wait for him anywhere for hours on end. If the horses could not go ... they waited at the fence until he came home. And he never forgot to say, Hi Fellows! All of us that knew Jack, knew he did not forget. This news is a truly shocking and sad time for 'all'. Received this today and did not know Jack had any health issue. We talked on-line 2-3 times each week. And Jack, decided not shared his need for surgery with many.
Dear Jack, we will miss you. Jack, you are a true piece of our very fabrick, and will be so forever.We know you are with God and all is good.
Jack, please give that warm big, loving, smile to all our friends, up there in His house.
In Christ, we love and miss you... already Jack. But not good-bye.
Forever,
Jim, Jimmy and Tim Hazelwood

Marianne & Walter Whale

December 18, 2008

This is sad.....sad....news.....we offer our condolences.to you Betty and Lisa and Julie........and are so saddened.....we just cannot believe this......At times like this God gives us the STRENGH for ALL things thru HIM who empowers us and thru HIS GRACE HE brings us PEACE.....to supply our every need.....May Gods Blessings be upon you all.......

Rebecca Bialko

December 15, 2008

I saw and talked with Jack at our St. Catherine's Career Ministry on Dec. 4th--he looked well and told me he would be even better after some surgery-we will miss him at the ministry. He was always a help to others.

Joe Wilush

December 15, 2008

I just left Jack's usual morning haunt and much of the talk today included the exchange of "Jack" stories. We all miss him but take comfort in the fact that he left this place on his terms. Semper Fi my friend.

George Johnston

December 14, 2008

I was in church at Mt. Zion this morning when I learned of JACKS death. He always greeted me with a big smile, hand share, and pat on the shoulder as we entered church. I am so sorry to hear of your loss,but I'm confident he is looking over us today with that same smile. May GOD bless the Derham family during this time.

Jerry Edwards

December 14, 2008

I am saddened to hear of Jack's passing. He was a loyal customer in my barber shop for years, and was just in this week and talked of his upcoming surgery. The Derham family is in my thoughts and prayers. I hope they comfort you and I am so very sorry for your loss.

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