James Derry

April 15, 1942 - December 21, 2024

James M. “Jim” Derry, 82, was born on April 15, 1942 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania to George Sr. and Kathleen Derry. Jim entered eternal rest on December 21, 2024, in Anaheim, California. Jim left Western Pennsylvania with his family in 1954 and came to Los Angeles, California. In 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Stella, and his devotion to her lasted for 63 years.

Jim had a remarkable 36-year career with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, starting as a clerk and ending as a Division Director in charge of all customer service and billing. During the Southern California drought in the 1970s, Jim was given the nickname “Water Czar” by his co-workers because he was the person chosen to make repeated television appearances emphasizing the importance of water conservation. A man in perpetual motion, Jim became a consultant after his retirement from the LADWP, helping private companies and governments set up call centers and improve their customer service. Jim also became a licensed California Real Estate Broker, and really enjoyed helping people buy and sell residential real estate.

Jim was a kind and generous person, always willing to lend a hand, help someone in need, or step up and assume a leadership role. He had many hobbies and interests, including camping and fishing, volunteering at his church and the YMCA, coaching, golfing, poker and blackjack, photography, and Notre Dame football. But perhaps what he enjoyed most was supporting and cheering for whatever sports teams his children or grandchildren happened to be playing for at the time.

During Jim’s eight decades, he touched many lives and had a positive impact on all who knew him. He set an example for how life should be lived and will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. Jim is survived by his wife Stella, son Chris and his wife Dawn, son Tim, grandson Ryan and his wife Ellen, granddaughter Caitlin, and sister-in-law Josephine. Condolences for the family can be sent through our website, www.rishermortuary.com.

A Memorial Mass for Jim will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:30am at Saint Hedwig Catholic Church. 11482 Los Alamitos Bl., Los Alamitos, CA 90720. A reception will follow.