James E. Dering Jr.

James E. Dering, Jr.James E. Dering, Jr. left all earthly pain behind and flew into the arms of his heavenly Father on August 1, 2014.Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Marlena Young Dering of Ingleside, Texas; son, James Philip Dering (Carolyn) of Comstock, Texas; step daughter, Krista Payne of Pflugerville, Texas; grandson, Noah Evan Dering of Ohio; granddaughter, Audrey Elizabeth Dering; step grandson, Jeffrey Shaddix (Melody) of Albuquerque, NM; step granddaughters, Kilie, Marisa and Kendall Payne of Pflugerville, Texas; step great grandchildren Rylea and Grayson Shaddix; brother-in-law Danny Young (Lana) of Ingleside, Texas; niece, Tarah Frazier (Michael) of Portland, Texas; nephew, Nathan Young of Austin, Texas; great nephew, Connor Frazier; cousins, Joe Stell (Verna) and Mary Lou Wadsworth of Carlsbad, NM and Mike Stell of Whitney, Texas.Jim was predeceased by his parents, James E. Dering and Ruby Stell Dering, as well as his first wife of 24 years, Mary Edwards Dering, all of Ft. Worth.After Jim graduated from Paschal High School in Ft. Worth, Texas, he earned a BS in Business Administration at Texas Christian University, and an MS in Education from Texas A&I University in Corpus Christi.Jim was an active member of Ingleside United Methodist Church and was a pilgrim on Emmaus Walk #101. He also served on the board of the Corpus Christi Chapter of the American Kidney Foundation. Other memberships of importance to him were the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 71, Quiet Birdmen, United Flying Octogenarians, and the American Air Museum.Jim Dering's life was spent helping others. He was the 'go-to man' because he seemed to know how, or could figure out how, to make things happen, especially if it involved solving mechanical problems. He always put aside whatever he was working on to come to the aid of family or friends.Jim taught Automotive Technology at Del Mar College West Campus for 30 years. As a strong believer in hands-on education, he enjoyed working in the shop with students, solving problems and, more importantly, teaching them how to solve problems. He was both a teacher and a mentor, and many of his students continued on to serve roles in the auto repair business and education.While a professor at Del Mar College, Jim was a certified FAA Written Examiner and for 15 years administered tests at his home in Ingleside. Whether administering a private pilots exam or testing those in career transition, Jim took a personal interest and maintained lasting relationships with some of the examinees.As a young man with a wife, child, and full-time job, Jim (Duke) served in the United States Naval Reserve and was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict and the Cuban Missile Crisis. These experiences strengthened his love of country and aviation. His family often said 'Jim would rather be in the air than on the ground, as long as he is at the controls!' Jim served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary Aviation Division for 28 years. He was passionate about country and was among the most patriotic of men. He loved flying missions to protect the US coastline, and he loved the dedicated men with whom he served. Jim also volunteered to pilot medical missions. Through Angel Flight South Central, he delivered organs for transplant, and transported patients who required urgent medical care. His belief in the importance of this mission inspired him to continue the service independently. Flights that were particularly meaningful to him were those that allowed families to spend time with their handicapped children. Jim flew patients from Driscoll Children's Hospital home for Christmas because they were unable to fly commercially.Jim will be missed and lovingly remembered by his family and those whose lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that Jim's life be honored through gifts to either Angel Flight South Central (angelflightsc.org) or the Jim Dering Memorial Fund at Ingleside United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank the medical community at Peterson Regional Medical Center in Kerrville, TX for the outstanding and compassionate care they provided Jim Dering during the final two weeks of his life. Memorial Services to be held Saturday, August 9, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at Ingleside United Methodist Church.