The Life of James Hoyt Derrington
Tribute
James “Jim” Hoyt Derrington passed away peacefully at home in Alexandria, Virginia on May 14, 2023 after a long illness.
Jim was born in Beaumont, Texas to Hoyt and Lucille Derrington on April 23,1942. He was raised in Monett, Missouri where he attended Monett High School. After graduating from the University of Missouri, he moved to Washington D.C. and soon after settled in Alexandria, Virginia, where he raised his family and made his home.
Jim worked for the United States Patent and Trademark Office as a patent examiner for 37 years. He made life-long friends with his colleagues at the USPTO and enjoyed many spirited debates over the years with them. Jim was also active in civic issues, passionate about city development, and enjoyed tutoring children in mathematics.
Jim had a great love for music, golf, the Washington Commanders, baseball, and a good drink with friends. He travelled extensively and spent many summers in Stonington, Maine, his favorite destination.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Barbara Ross, who died in 2016.
Jim is survived by his two children, James Derrington, Jr. and Lauren McCunney, his daughter-in-law Amy, his son-in-law Courtney, his sister Susan Richardson and her husband Steve, and his three grandchildren, Olivia Derrington, Arlo McCunney, and June McCunney. He took great joy in making his grandchildren laugh and he thought they were perfect. Jim is also survived by his joyful companion, Patty Shaver. Jim and Patty shared several great years together before Jim’s illness and she was a constant presence at his side during his battle.
During his long, hard fight with cancer he showed courage in facing great challenges and never complained. He exhibited the integrity and honor in which he lived his whole life. In his final days, Jim was surrounded by family and friends from near and far, who will continue to honor him by living their lives to the fullest.
There will be a burial ceremony at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at Ivy Hill Cemetery (2823 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302). A reception will follow at Army Navy Country Club (1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA 22202). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Campagna Center or the American Cancer Society.