James Edward Derck, 76, rural LaFontaine, died at 7:45 p.m., Monday, May 11, 2020, of natural causes, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 2, 1943, in Wabash, to Grimes B. and Edna Mae (Dawalt) Derck.

Jim was a 1963 graduate of Wabash High School. He married Robin McGinnis in Muncie, Indiana on Jan. 11, 1964. He owned and operated LaFontaine Gravel from 1965 until his retirement in 2014. He was a member of the Wabash Christian Heritage Church and a former member of the LaFontaine I.O.O.F. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, driving his truck and loader, and loved his grandchildren. He also had a great sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Derck of LaFontaine, five children, Laci (Rob) Haney of Wabash, Tami Law and Candi (Andy) Kirk, both of LaFontaine, Honi (Clint) Harden of Wabash, and James Earl “Jed” (Nicki) Derck of LaFontaine, 15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister, Debbie Berry of Huntington, Indiana, brother, Robert (Sue) Derck of Wabash, and sister-in-law, Nikki McGinnis of LaFontaine.. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and four sisters.

Funeral services will be private to the family at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating.