James Derner

James August Derner, 69, of Kannapolis, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 at home with family by his side.

Jim was born October 9, 1950 in Albuquerque, NM to the late Edward August Derner and the late Pauline Loretta Brown Derner.

Jim was a loving husband, father and "Pops." As a man of many “hats” in his lifetime, he started with a degree in Biology in the hopes of being a doctor. With out financial means to carry that dream to fruition he continued to serve people as a policeman, and then a fireman/fire instructor. He loved to fly, and was a pilot for several years. Changing direction to his love of cars led Jim to many dealership opportunities, Including owning his own car garage. Through the years Jim used that entrepreneurial spirit to teach himself computers. Hired at Electronic Data Systems, he served many years until he started his own computer company in 2000. He was a proud American and servant to his community. He graduated from both the Concord and Kannapolis Citizen’s Academy.

From age 1-5yr Jim lived in France with his parents who were on military deployment (this gave him the heart of a traveler). Never still long, Jim often took trips to England, France, Belgium, Mexico, Hawaii, and most other islands you can name. When travel was not an option there was always a deck to be built, or even a whole house.

He provided for, and adored his wife and children. They were his heart! Not intimidated to be seen with straws in his ears, or napkin rings in his eyes, he brought years of joy and laughter to all who knew him. To his friends, who were few and far between, he was selfless and fiercely loyal. Not one for material gifts, he gave us the gift of life experiences the we will treasure. We carry on his adventurous spontaneity, his hopes, his dreams, and his enduring love.

Survivors include beloved wife of 38 years, Terry Plummer Derner; son, Derick August Derner and wife, Shannon, of Mt. Pleasant; daughter, Keri Lee Lewis and husband, Adam, of Concord; son, Joshua Edward-August Derner and wife, Maria, of Mooresville; Jakob Christian Derner and Alisha Duggan of Concord; Mathew Clayton Derner, Micheal Christopher Derner, James August Derner II and 11 grandchildren, Raegan and Asher Derner, Piper, Ryder and River Lewis, Heaven, Lulu, Phoebe and Marceline Derner, Eli and Fin Derner; sister, Diane Kozak and husband, Jack, of WI; sister, Darryl Somayaji and husband, Prabu, of NY; and 8 nieces and nephews; and his constant canine companion, Bella.

A service in celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11 am on September 12, 2020 at Crossroads Church in Concord, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim's memory to NorthEast Foundation of Concord, NC

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Derner family