James Derstine

James "Jim" Derstine, age 89, of Souderton, passed away on Friday May 26, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Sylvia Dawn (Alderfer) Derstine with whom he shared over 66 years of marriage.
Born August 22, 1933, in Souderton, he was a son of the late Alvin A. and Martha L. (Shoemaker) Derstine.
Jim was an owner of V&J Derstine Trucking Co. He first began working at Bergey's Tire Garage while in high school. Following that he helped transport horses to Israel through a program called Seagoing Cowboys. He served in 1W Service in a Rhode Island hospital for two years before returning home to drive tanker truck for his brother Vern, hauling milk from local farmers to Lehigh Dairy in Lansdale. In 1955, Jim and Vern started V&J Derstine Trucking, hauling livestock (hogs) in from the Midwest. In the mid 70's, V&J sold to Mopac in Souderton where Jim was employed for the next ten years as head of maintenance of equipment. After leaving MOPAC, he started S&J Transport hauling frozen food until his retirement.
Jim was a member of Souderton Mennonite Church where he served as a youth leader, taught Sunday School, was a member of the choir and served as an elder. He also served on the board at Global Disciples in Lancaster, Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Mennonite Academy. Jim loved to spend time with his family and winters in Florida. His volunteer days were enjoyed by mowing the lawns at Dock Mennonite Academy for almost ten years and then later volunteering at Material Resource Center in Souderton. Jim and his wife Sylvia went on numerous mission trips to Russia, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. They enjoyed many trips in the United States and abroad with family and friends.
In addition to his wife Sylvia, he is survived by his stepmother Mary (Ehst) Derstine of Sellersville; children, Randy Derstine and his wife, Darlene, of Hatfield, Gail Alderfer and her husband, Sandy, of Harleysville, Rodney Derstine of Sarasota, FL, Beverly Nice and her husband, Jeff, of Quakertown, and Brenda Carranza and her husband, Merari, of Souderton; 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; siblings, Carl Derstine, Glenn Derstine and his wife, Sylvia; and sister-in-law, Rosalie Derstine of Souderton.
He was preceded in death by siblings Clair Derstine, Ken Derstine and Vernon Derstine; a stillborn daughter and granddaughter Katelyn Joy Derstine; and sisters-in-law Catherine Derstine, Sue Derstine and Miriam Derstine.
A Celebration of Life Service for Jim will take place at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Souderton Mennonite Church, 105 West Chestnut Street, Souderton, PA 18964 where the family will greet guests after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's name can be made to either Global Disciples, 315 West James Street, Suite 202, Lancaster, PA 17603 or Penn Foundation, 807 Lawn Avenue, P.O. Box 32, Sellersville, PA 18960 or Spruce Lake Retreat, 5389 Route 447, Canadensis, PA 18325.