James William Derkowski

The best jump shot of all time in basketball truly blessed athlete. His 1971 spring woods basketball team could have won state with a little luck. Two years behind him at spring woods a decent very humble man. Truly sad rest in peace James.

Mary and Susie:
A childhood friend told me about Jimmy’s passing.
Jimmy was a childhood friend of mine.

Me and my sister Roxanne lived down the street (Housman) from y’all back in the 60’s. Jimmy and I would spend those long summer days together riding bikes, playing baseball and football, and in general, just being kids. We even started a “science club” one summer. We lost touch with each other when y’all moved to Spring Woods School District and I went on to Spring Branch High School.

I am very sad to hear about Jimmy’s passing away.
Please be comforted in knowing Jimmy is now in Gods loving arms.

Dear Mary and Susie: George and I send our love to you and your family members as you remember the joys and blessings of times with James. We were so privileged to live across the street from you, your sweet mother Rose, and fun-loving dad Max, and share some of the early times with you. What a blessing it was to have you as neighbors!

It was difficult to say goodbye to Rose, but seeing Max and all of you at her funeral made It seem like old home week. We will be praying for you through the days ahead, and seek the Lord's blessing upon you.

My favorite Scripture passage for times like these is found in Lamentations: chapter 3, verses 21-23. I pray that you each will find comfort and blessing as you focus on these truths! Julia

Very sorry to hear of Jame's untimely passing - the last time I spoke with him was in 1974(?) when i ran into him and his wife Diane at a Spring Branch shopping center - that was 44 years ago. My deepest sympathies to all his friends and family.

It's with great sadness that We hear of Jim's passing. Jim was a good friend in high school as we shared many many hours on the basketball court as we endeavered to bring Spring Woods High Varsity Basketball to new heights. It resulted in our team (Class of 1971) being one of the best in Spring Woods Senior High history. He was one of the most natural basketball players I ever saw, and I understand, a natural on the baseball diamond too. He made it seem effortless. He was a friendly fun loving guy, and there were team shenanigan's, not always in the best parts of Houston. We all loved and respected him on the team. My biggest regret is not getting to see him again after high school. I kept hoping to see him at a school reunion. I have special memories of Jim, including a right cross he gave me on the practice court when we got into a friendly spat. It was all part of team building, and neither of us thought much about it again. I liked him for that. We will miss you big Jim.

Sorry to hear of James' passing, he and I went to high school together. He was a heck of an athlete having played center on the Spring Woods High school varsity basketball team and he also was a pitcher for the baseball team. He was a year ahead of me but we had a Spanish class together, and my memories of him were that he was a nice guy with a good sense of humor. Rest in peace my friend.

So sorry to learn about the passing of James. Lance and James would go to the horse track sometimes. He will miss his friend deeply!

Uncle Jimmy, you were & will always be the gentle giant. I love & will miss you. Thank you for the memories.

Jimmy & I were born only 6 months apart. Although we are first cousins, he was my "BIG" brother. All the years we spent playing together, we were very close. I remember the hours we would spend trading baseball cards, reading comic books, or riding our bikes. It is hard to believe we won't see his smiling face. Mary Kay and Susie, I pray Jesus wraps his loving arms around ya'll. I am a better person for having grown up with him! R.I.P.