James Derry

1920 - 2023

Mr. James "Jim" Arthur Derry, age 103, of Jefferson, MD passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law. For 68 years he was the beloved husband of Cleo Shryock Derry, until her death in August 2009. Born February 5, 1920, and raised in Buckeystown, MD, he was the son of the late Herbert L. and Edith (Hawn) Derry.

Jim moved to the Woodsboro area in 1941, where he and Cleo cared for her parents until their deaths. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1943 and was sent to Camp Gruber in Oklahoma for his basic training. He served with the 42nd Infantry Division (better known as the Rainbow Division) and the 242nd Infantry Regiment Anti-Tank Company. His regiment was part of the Battle of the Bulge, and his actions during this counter offensive awarded him a Bronze Star. He held the rank of Corporal, and served as the driver for the unit Captain. He was honorably discharged January 5, 1946.

He was a life-long tractor trailer driver. He started his driving career at Lilypons in Adamstown, delivering goldfish. Along with owning his own rig, he also drove for Pony Express, Mitchell Transport, and Frederick Brick Works. He was the Road Safety Officer for Pony Express and also received numerous safe driving awards from Mitchell Transport.

Upon retirement, he enjoyed wood working and sold many pieces he made. He and Cleo planted large vegetable gardens, made root beer and wines, sharing all with family and friends. They traveled extensively throughout the U.S including Alaska and Hawaii. They loved traveling in their motor home and would often include others on trips. For many years they spent winters in Florida, and permanently relocated to Salt Springs Village in Fort McCoy in 2002. Jim relocated to Jefferson, MD in 2021, residing with his son Denny and daughter-in-law Mary.

He was a member of Woodsboro Lutheran Church, Woodsboro American Legion Post 282, and the Hagerstown Teamster and Motor Carriers. He and his wife spent many hours volunteering at the Woodsboro Fire Company.

He is survived by two sons, James S. Derry and wife Charlene of Sequim, WA and Dennis A. Derry and wife Mary of Jefferson, MD, three grandchildren, Shannan Bradley and husband Greg, Sequim, WA, Dennis A. Derry, Jr. and companion Karen Lucia, Mt. Airy, MD, and Brandy Keyser and husband John, Jefferson, MD; four great-grandchildren, Evan King and wife Domonique, Ft. Campbell, KY, Chase Keyser, Alexa Keyser and Troy Shafer, all of Jefferson,MD ; two great-great grandchildren, Harrison James King and Raeya Lynn King, both of Ft. Campbell, KY. Also surviving are sister-in-law Nancy Derry Swomley, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be fondly remembered by Jim and Joanne Wood, Sequim, WA and Gail Christman, Ft. McCoy, FL.

Along with his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Paul "Dick" Derry, Mildred Derry, Ruth Derry Osmann and husband Joe, Ann Derry Ray and husband Norman "Dutch" Ray, Myrtle Derry Whipp and husband Raymond, and Jane Derry Keller and husband Charles.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023 at Hartzler Funeral Home, 404 S. Main St., Woodsboro.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1 with Rev. Dahl Drenning and Rev. Dr. Darrel Justh officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Woodsboro. Casual attire is requested.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodsboro American Legion Post 282, 101 W. Elizabeth St., Woodsboro, MD 21798 or Woodsboro Volunteer Fire Co., 2 S. Third St., Woodsboro, MD 21798.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on his "tribute wall" at www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com. James Derry