John ‘Jack’ Derby, Jr. John Maxwell “Jack” Derby, Jr., 86, of Cedarville, enjoyed a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force and retired to the Upper Peninsula, where he held several jobs and was active in VFW Post Law White 7958. Mr. Derby passed away peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at his home in Cedarville.

He was born December 30, 1923, in Hartford, Connecticut, to John Maxwell and Mary Stewart (nee Hattie) Derby.

Mr. Derby was graduated from high school in Manchester, Connecticut, and then served in the United States Army and in the United States Air Force in Europe. During his last tour of duty in England, he was asked which base he would like to retire from and he told them either Westover Air Force Base, near his family, or someplace warm like Florida or California. His final tour brought him to Kincheloe Air Force in the Upper Peninsula and as a result, he fell in love with the area and never left.

He made many friends in the area and only went back to Connecticut for visits. Mr. Derby did go back for his class reunion each year and continued these trips until five years ago. Many of these trips were made on his motorcycle.

After retiring from 20 years in the Air Force, he worked as a meter reader for Edison Sault Electric, at McFee's Soda Bar, and eventually retired from working at the Cedarville Bar. Friends called him a “Jack of all trades.”

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Second Congregational Church of Manchester, Connecticut, and VFW Post Law White 7958, where he remained active until his health no longer permitted. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues at the 4th of July parades.

Mr. Derby enjoyed reading, playing pool, and bowling.

He is survived by one sister and her family, Natalie and Neil Sedlack of Stafford Springs, Connecticut, and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his those he considered family, Linda Gay, Jim and Susie Martin and family, and David Goff.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Randall Derby; two sisters, Marion Prentis and Elizabeth Peterson, and a special friend, Kathy Hill.

Visitation was Monday, May 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford. Services began at 3 p.m. with Pastor Scout Hester conducting the service. Burial was at Cedar Cemetery in Cedarville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Les Cheneaux Ambulance Auxiliary, P.O. Box 453, Hessel, Michigan 49745.