James Dermody, 87, passed away on the morning of July 19 at the Hawthorn House in Freeport with his loving wife by his side. Born in Detroit, Mich., on Dec. 26, 1925, he was the son of Joseph and Bernadette (Wilson) Dermody.
Upon graduating from high school, Jim joined the Army Air Corps, as part of the 15th Air Force Division, where he was stationed in Bari, Italy. After his honorable discharge, he received his college degree in Graphic Design. He took this degree, and his talent for drawing, to work for Ford and Chrysler where he was instrumental in the designs of their cars in the 1950s and 60s.
Upon his retirement from the automotive industry, he and his wife, Anne Marderosian, became representatives for Knoll Furniture. They went on to establish Dermody & Associates in the 1970s, where they designed, and acted as furniture representatives, for commercial properties. Upon their retirement in 1987, they moved to Damariscotta, where Jim designed and oversaw the construction of their dream home on three acres along the Damariscotta River.
While in Maine, he was a volunteer with the Coast Guard group that monitored the Penobscot Coast. Over the course of 30-40 years, Jim and Anne owned two sailboats where they spent many idyllic times sailing the waters between Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Maine.
Jim was a very kind man, with an extremely warm heart.
He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Anne Dermody; sister, Josette Wingo; four nephews; one niece; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.
A private graveside service will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Damariscotta.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
