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BORN
1942
DIED
2025
James Dery Obituary
He was born on September 27, 1942, to Joe and Thressa Dery in Greenbush Township, Minnesota, and soon after moved to Princeton across the street from the Princeton Public School. He graduated from Princeton Public Schools in 1960.
After graduation, he served three years in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Japan. He then went on to a 30-year career as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and was also a 45-year member of the Princeton American Legion, where he served proudly as a long-time member of the Honor Guard.
Jim enjoyed their annual February trips to Treasure Island, Florida, and walking endless miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, vegetable and flower gardening, woodworking, sitting on the patio watching birds, bears, deer and all manner of wildlife and, most importantly, spending time with family. He especially adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Leonard and Chuck and his wife, Jan, and one nephew.
Jim is survived by his wife Janice (nee Peterson, nee Poorker) Dery; stepsons Craig Poorker (Joanie Miller), Kevin Poorker (Lisa), Cary Poorker (Jacquelyn Cary); stepdaughter Dina Scandinato (Corky); nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; three nieces and a nephew; sister-in-law Gina.
The family would like to thank the many caregivers at the Veterans Administration Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the staff at Milaca Elim Meadows Health Care Center and Triniti Hospice staff for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Jim in his final days.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Princeton Great Northern Railway Depot (101 10th Ave S, Princeton, MN 55371) on Saturday, September 20, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Private ceremony and interment at Sharon Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers and in Jim's memory, please consider making a donation to Sharon Cemetery Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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