Jon Derby (January 14, 1943 - May 16, 2022)

On May 16, 2022, Jon Derby died in Pineville, North Carolina at the age of 80. Jon is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer (Jeremy) Guy and grandchildren Joshua and Greyson, and Elisabeth (Clark) Doggett and grandchildren Estela and Catalina; his sisters Ruth Anne (Keith) and Sheryl; and his beloved nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Marilyn Derby, his parents Payson and Dorothy, and brothers David and Roderick.

Jon was born in Auburn, New York, and raised in the Weedsport area until his family moved to Webster Groves, Missouri when he was in high school.  He graduated from Webster Groves High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree at Culver-Stockton College in 1963.  He served his country in the U.S. Army, spending two years in Vietnam.

He spent more than 34 years working as an educator in Hawai'i, and as a part-time contractor for years after retirement.  Mr. Derby, as he was known by his students, started his career teaching at Waimea High School for 13 years, moving to multiple vice principal positions, becoming the principal of Kekaha Elementary School, and ultimately working at the district-level for the Hawai'i State Department of Education. During his time at Waimea, he met his wife (also a teacher there), and adopted his two daughters.

In 2003, he moved to North Carolina to be closer to family, and spent 17 years as a photographer and digital artist.  A lifelong learner at heart, he spent his retirement taking courses, supporting art students and galleries, showing his work in local shows and competitions, and documenting the artists of New Bern through social media. He co-authored a book called A Brief History of Artists in Eastern North Carolina and was a proud member of the Bohemian Artists of New Bern.  Jon continued to show and sell his art in Asheville through 2019.  He maintained a passion for education, social justice, and speaking up for those that needed help throughout his life.

The Derby Family entrusted arrangements to the Cremation Society of Charlotte. At Jon's request, there was no formal funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be sent to the Waimea (High School) Alumni & Friends Foundation in Hawai'i at

http://waffkauai.org/waffmembership.html.

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NOTE: We learned of Jon's death in August 2024 from his daughter, Lis, who sent the following link to his obituary: 

https://www.csofcharlotte.com/obituary/Jon-Derby