He was our bread when we were hungry.

He was our shelter in troubled winds.

He was our anchor in life's ocean.

But most of all, our best friend.

- Don Williams

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, James (Jim) P. Derouin, age 66, of DePere, WI passed away peacefully on Friday, March 31, 2023, at his home. Jim was born February 24, 1957, the youngest son and 6th child of Fern (Denison) and Kenneth Derouin. He grew up on the family farm and learned to work hard, love well and laugh often. After high school, Jim met his beloved, Karen Stankevitz, and they were united in marriage on April 15, 1977. They shared 45 years of marriage together and have two children, Jim (Jimmer) and Angela. Jim was hardworking and provided well for his family. He spent most of his career in the construction industry, building and fixing things and he was a true craftsman. Jim was a former member of the Ashwaubenon Retired Fire Co #213. He loved spending time with his family, including his brothers and sisters, his kids and especially his grandkids. When you were around Jim, there was always a story to hear and a laugh to be shared. Jim had a love for collecting and creating and he kept busy with his many hobbies. Whether it was his impressive tractor collection, the many projects he created in his shop in the basement, his train village or treasure hunting at rummage sales and antique shops, he was always looking for the next thing that brought some excitement and joy to his life. Jim took great pride in his work and built many quality items for family and friends. When he wasn't tinkering, he enjoyed watching Gun Smoke and The Andy Griffith Show, along with the Packers, Badgers and Brewers. He also took great care of his home, his truck and his lawn, they were always well maintained and looking their best. He enjoyed growing flowers and veggies in his yard and helping his brother Bill at the farm. Jim was a man you could count on, you never had to question whether he would be willing to help…the answer was always "yes".

He is survived by his wife, Karen, daughter Angela Derouin (special friend John Henderson), his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmer and Tonia Derouin, and his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Nora, Quinn and Lena Derouin.

He is further survived by his brothers and sisters and their spouses: Ann Derouin, Beckie Derouin, Bill (Pat) Derouin, Nancy (Jim) Thomas, Ed (Judy) Derouin, and Sandy (Michael) DelGiacco. And Karen's brothers and sisters and their spouses: Brad Stankevitz, Gary (Sandy) Stankevitz, Steve (Marcie) Stankevitz, Sandy Murphy and Dan (Karen) Stankevitz, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ken and Fern, his brother Ken "Buck" Derouin, his sister-in-law Janis Derouin and his parents-in-law, Orv and Dona Stankevitz.

Visitation will take place at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N Tenth St, DePere on Saturday, April 8th, 2023 from 1-4 pm. A celebration of Jim's life will take place beginning at 4 pm. Please come as you are (dress casually), that's the way Jim would have wanted it.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Jim's friends, Kurt Minten and Dan Kocken, thank you for always being there. Thank you to his niece, Kim Burns, for her special attention and care while Jim was in the hospital following his surgery. Thank you to Alyssa Olp, his physical therapist for her care and friendship. Thank you to Mike & Barb Baeten, Ron & Kay Lealiou and Dave & Marcey Levine for your help, your friendship and for being good neighbors. And thank you to the emergency personnel, especially officers Tyler Dawson & Kyle Phillips for your kindness and professionalism.

He will be truly missed by all that loved him and shared this life with him.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.

"Later My Fred"