James W. Derbyshire was born on May 21, 1949 to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Derbyshire. His home of record is Bridgeton, NJ. He was a 1967 graduate of Bridgeton Senior High School and attended Cumberland County College. He enjoyed football, baseball and fishing.
Derbyshire entered the US Army in 1969, where he attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC). He went to Vietnam on March 15, 1969, while serving with the 27th Infantry Regiment as a forward observer.
On April 15, 1969, at the age of 20, Derbyshire was killed in action after being in Vietnam for only one month. He was wounded and died in a hospital the following day.
He was awarded numerous awards and decorations including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the National Defense Medal. James is buried at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton, NJ. In addition to his parents, he was survived by his sister, Judi, grandmother, Mrs. Lilly A. Derbyshire, and grandfather, Wilber M. Davis.
Sources: Judith Derbyshire (sister) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
