Jim Derbes departed this earthly life at the age of 75 and entered into the glory of the Lord. He was born in New Orleans, LA to the late Arthur J. Derbes and Lucille Dours Derbes. Jim was the beloved husband of Bonnie Bryars Derbes for 47 wonderful years. He was a devoted father of Beauregard J. Derbes (Beau) and Benjamin J. Derbes (Ben).

Jim grew up in the Lakeview area and attended St. Pius X Elementary School. He was an altar boy at St. Pius X Catholic Church. As a boy, Jim enjoyed walking on the lakefront levee and fishing. Jim grew up fishing with his father. They had a fishing camp in Empire, LA and would go fishing in the gulf.

He then attended Jesuit High School (1964-1969) where he made lifelong friends. In 1973, he received a B.A. in Philosophy from The University of New Orleans. He was a deep thinker, a spiritual and kind man.

Jim was a passionate guitarist who played with great musicians in multiple bands. Jim owned and operated Rockery Ace Hardware Store in Lakeview for many years.

In 1992, at 40 years of age, Jim moved to Marietta, GA to attend Life Chiropractic University. Atlanta was where Jim and his family attended many Braves Baseball games. He became a lifelong fan anxiously awaiting every season. He would watch every game.

Jim was an excellent tennis player. He was a member of ALTA in Atlanta and NALTA in Nashville.

He graduated magna cum laude with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 1995. His family moved to Franklin, TN in 1995 to establish his first chiropractic office. After years away, he returned to Louisiana to be near family and established Mandeville Chiropractic in 2003.

Jim was continually trying to improve his skills by taking seminars throughout his life. His goal was to help people suffering in pain. He loved his work and was an excellent chiropractor.

Jim greatly enjoyed playing golf in his later years. He spent many hours with friends, family, and alone golfing on Louisiana courses. Jim loved birds, every morning he would make sure the birds were fed and he enjoyed watching them.

Jim bought a Catalina 30 when his family moved to Mandeville. He became an avid sailor for the rest of his life. He especially enjoyed having the boat in Long Beach Harbor on the Gulf of America sailing to Cat Island and Ship Island.

His siblings and their spouses were: Cynthia Lepage and Francis Lepage (deceased), Arthur J. Derbes Jr. (deceased) and Janet Derbes, Jean Derbes Letellier (deceased) and David Letellier, Suzanne Derbes Blunt and Matthew Blunt, Carolyn Derbes Breaux and Jack Breaux. He also left behind many beloved sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and patients.

There will be a Funeral Mass on July 11th, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church located at 312 Lafitte St., Mandeville, LA. The visitation for guests will begin at 11:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of the Lake Church.