Obituary

Derek Derrell James

December 24, 1981 - April 30, 2024

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  John 15: 12-13

Derek Derrell James was born on December 24, 1981 in Independence, La. to Palton Coleman and Virgina James Fowler. He departed this world on April 30, 2024, in Bogalusa, LA. 

Derek attended Mt. Hermon High School and received his GED through the Adult Education Program in Franklinton, La.  He would have received his Associate Degree in Building Technology Specialist from Northshore College on May 22, 2024, in Bogalusa, LA.  He also attended Delgado Community College in New Orleans at the City Park Campus where he was studying for a Business Management Degree. Derek worked several different jobs in his lifetime. We know that whomever he was able to touch with his kindness were glad to have known him and will miss him. 

He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior under the leadership of Rev. Johnny Causey at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.  During those years he was active in the youth department and Boys Scout of America Pack No. 106. 

On Monday night, March 25, 2024, during the Annual Holy week revival at Mount Olive, Derek dedicated his life back to Christ and was baptized on Sunday, April 7, 2024.  On Sunday, April 28, 2024, the Pastor spoke on how he stopped to tried to assist Derek with his flat tire his truck on that Saturday and after several failed attempts they decided to stop and have lunch together. In the middle of his sermon Rev. Saulsberry acknowledged and encouraged Derek to stay focused on God because the devil was not happy about the change he had made in his life. Derek was sitting in the back of the church as he listened to the words from his pastor. 

He is preceded in death by his father Palton Coleman, and beloved material grandparents Vera James and Herman James and his paternal grandparents Mary Colemon and Press Buckley.  

He is survived by and left to mourn his uplifting presence his beloved sons Marion Hart, Ta’Kairon Hart, Jaborean Jordan, and Khalil Williams, Franklinton, LA; his mother, Virigina Fowler, Mt. Hermon, LA; his father Darrell Fowler, Franklinton, LA; four sisters, Chandetetela Briggs, Wilmer, LA;  Demetris James, Franklinton, LA, Kanesha (Eugene) Washington, Mt. Hermon, LA, and Chasity James, Tangipahoa, LA;  four brothers, Micheal Ard, Progress, MS; Stacy McClveen, Mt. Hermon, LA; Christopher (April) McClveen, Franklinton, LA; Palton McClveen, and god brother Quinta “Speedy” (Adrianne) James all of Mt. Hermon, La; one grandson Truce Hart; one aunt, Victotria Jordan, Franklinton, LA; one uncle, Rex (Janice) James, Mt. Hermon, LA; grandmother, Mary Fowler, Franklinton, LA; two great aunts, Gennie Thompson and Virgie Hart, a god-mother Velma Johnson all of Baton Rouge, LA; two great uncles. Herbert James, Clarence (Fannie) James all of New Orleans, LA; a special friend, Lawanna Robinson and her children Heavenly and Ri’Chard Robinson, Bogalusa, La; and a host of nieces, nephews, as well as other family members and many many friends. 

Derek's message to his family and friend would be “don’t cry for me, I am free.  God has touched my life and made me a new creature. When I dedicated my life to Christ, it was the best thing I ever did.  All the hurt, confusion and pain I experienced in my life became joy, peace and love deep within.  Let go and let God for it’s never too late.  Accept him today is really the only way.  So don’t cry for me because I’m free.”  

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024 from 3:00PM – 6:00PM at Crain and Sons Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 1:00PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Saulsberry - Pastor Officiating. Interment – Mt. Olive Baptist Church. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home – Franklinton are in charge of arrangements.