James Donald Derr

Obituary of James Donald Derr
December 21, 1933 to April 22, 2021

James (Jim) Donald Derr, age 87, passed away on April 22, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Jim was born on December 21, 1933 in Aurora, Nebraska, the son of Lewis and Fern (Cox) Derr. Jim was the youngest of six children. He graduated from Aurora High School in May of 1953. Jim joined the Army in July 1953 and proudly served our country during the Korean War. Upon leaving the military in June 1955, he served in the Army Reserve until July 1961.

Jim began his career with Safeway grocery stores throughout Nebraska after serving in the military. While working in Holdrege, NE, he met his future wife. Jim married Joann E. Pearson on September 8, 1957 in Holdrege. They were blessed with three children.

Jim continued working for Safeway stores, became a Meat Merchandiser and lived in Kearney, NE for several years. In 1977, Jim was promoted to a District Manager for Safeway stores and relocated to Omaha, NE. In March 1982, Jim relocated to Tulsa, OK. He worked the majority of his career with Safeway, retiring in the Spring of 1995.

Jim was a devoted husband and a loving father. He had a strong Christian faith and most recently attended Friendship Baptist Church located in Owasso, OK. He had a lifelong love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing and hunting. Jim had a passion for planting and maintaining a beautiful yard and vegetable garden. He leaves many loving memories with his family. His children learned to enjoy the outdoors through camping and fishing vacations, as well as learning to play golf, football, basketball and baseball. He left a legacy to his grandchildren: the importance of family.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joann E. Derr of Tulsa, OK, his three children and their spouses: Robert (Bob) and Judy Derr of Kearney, NE, Jody and Mark Nyquist of Colleyville, TX and Christopher (Chris) and Christie Derr of Tulsa, OK. Jim was blessed with 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, a sister and four brothers. Memorials may be directed to local charities, Alzheimer's research or MD Anderson Cancer Center.