James P. Derby

Jim was born to Gordon Derby and Mary Elizabeth Derby, in Baltimore, MD, and was raised in Parkville, MD. He later settled in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 

Jim served his country in the United States Army as a Control Room Technician at the Military Intelligence and Communications base at Fort Huachuca, AZ. 

Jim served 37 years with Florida Power and Light Company as Power Plant Operator at the Lauderdale Plant. A co-worker said, "Jim was a "Wizard" with the controls and could do things that others couldn't to keep the lights on for millions of people in South Florida."

Jim loved boating, fishing, traveling, and tailgating at many Miami Dolphins' games. Later in life, his wife introduced him to cruising, which they enjoyed while traveling to many different countries.  His true passion was always being with family and friends and enjoying life.

Jim is survived by wife Brenda Derby; daughter Bianca (Ryan Mara); mother Mary E Derby; sisters: Carol (John Burleigh), Kathleen Brockmeyer, Mary Theresa (Kim Derby), Joanne (Tony Canova), and Joan (Chris Wynn); Aunt Pat Shea; Uncles Gordon Shea and Paul Shea; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jim's honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation