James “Jim” Werner DeRue, 77, passed away on April 30, 2024 in Newton, N.C.
Son of the late Werner and Madeline DeRue, Jim was born August 1, 1946 in Mishawaka, Indiana. After graduating high school in 1964, he entered the U.S. Navy, proudly serving during Vietnam on the USS Sproston and defending our freedom around the world.
Following his time in the Navy, Jim moved to North Carolina to raise his family and begin a career in the furniture industry. With his partner, the late Joe Marion, Jim built a successful small business selling upholstery fabric to furniture companies. It was truly a family affair, with nearly everyone in the family working at DeRue & Associates at one point or another. Those hot summer days of loading and unloading truckloads of fabric are still to this day joyful memories that taught us the lessons of hard work.
Jim was one of five kids but the only boy, which according to his sisters, made him the favorite. That’s hard to believe considering how much trouble he got into as a kid. During our family’s summer vacations on Oak Island, NC, stories of Jim’s fast cars, rock n’ roll and mischief were in abundant supply- usually centered around his favorite card games, Scat and Euchre.
Jim met his wife, Suzanne DeRue, in 1981 when friends set them up on a blind date. It was not love at first sight. You’ll have to ask Suzanne about those early days, but after a few attempts by friends to get them together, thankfully persistence paid off and a 44 year journey of love and friendship began. Together, they enjoyed summers at the beach, sailed the Caribbean, raised a loving family and created countless memories and stories that will be told for generations. Jim loved his family, especially his two boys, James Jr. and Scott. Whether it was playing golf together, watching Notre Dame football, or cheering on James Jr. and Scott in their own adventures, Jim loved his boys and was extraordinarily proud of the men they grew up to be.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne DeRue; his children, James Werner DeRue Jr. (Amy DeRue) and Scott DeRue (Kathy DeRue); former wife and James Jr.’s mother, Linda Swartzel; his sisters, Charlotte Lindahl, Patricia Dunbar, and Judy Fitzgerald (Dan Fitzgerald); his grandchildren Katy DeRue (fiancée Jeffrey Shepherd) and Hannah DeRue, as well as, many nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat George.
He was preceded in death by his parents Werner and Madeline DeRue; his sister, Jeanette Osbourne; his grandson, Jacob DeRue, and his brothers-in-law, Al Lindahl and Ty Dunbar.
Our family would like to thank Rachel Watts, the doctors and nurses at Atrium Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, and the team at Carolina Caring Hospice in Newton for all their support in taking care of Jim.
A graveside service will be held on May the 11th at 11:00 am at Catawba Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Jim’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, Carolina Caring Hospice House, or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The DeRue Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
