James Derkins (J.D.) Westfaul
James Derkins (J. D.) Westfaul – age 89 and a resident of Moss Point, MS – died Friday, March 8, 2024. He was born in Mobile, AL on May 22, 1934. He attended Moss Point High School and was president of his Junior Class. During his school years, he was blessed and honored to work for Lee Roy Toups at his grocery store. After graduation in 1952, J. D. became employed with International Paper Company in Moss Point. He started his life-long career in the "bull gang" and worked his way through the ranks. He was a maintenance planning analyst, relief maintenance foreman, foreman, and retired as an Area Maintenance Supervisor. He put his all into working at the mill and took immense pride in everything he did there. One of his biggest accomplishments was building a network of close friends that lasted a lifetime. He always looked forward to seeing the Cracker Barrel gang once a month.
J. D. was a member of Dantzler Memorial United Methodist Church in Moss Point. He was highly active and committed to the church. He served on many church boards and in numerous positions, including Lay Leader. He had many outside interests. J. D. was an exceptional athlete. He played semi-pro baseball after high school graduation, was a coach, and an umpire on several levels. Outdoor activities were many. He grew up hunting, fishing, and even shrimping. He loved his city of Moss Point. In 1972, he was elected to the office of Alderman-At-Large, serving four terms.
He was an avid traveler. He loved traveling with his wife Elaine, family, and friends to the beaches, the mountains, the Northeast fall foliage areas, the Midwest, and especially San Francisco. His travels took him to Hawaii, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and France. J. D. was enthusiastic about his Ole Miss Rebels. He loved going to football games and tailgating in the Grove. He liked to joke about having several buildings on campus named after Elaine and him. (They managed to send four children there!)
J.D. is survived by his wife Elaine Webb Westfaul. He is also survived by his children: David (Janice) Westfaul, Pascagoula, MS; Marlene (Scott) Westfaul Holmes, Franklin, TN; Marcia (Scott) Westfaul MacLean, Panama City, FL; and Jay Westfaul, Batesville, MS. His grandchildren are Tyler (Laura) Westfaul, Louisville, KY; Katie Scott (Adam) Westfaul Parr, Pascagoula, MS; Melissa (Dale) Holmes Jones, Fairview, TN; Amy (Jonathan) Holmes McDowell, Huntsville, AL; Marc (Luci) MacLean, Lynn Haven FL; Elane (Thomas) Westfaul Quinn, Irvine, CA; and Jayme Westfaul, Costa Mesa, CA. His great-grandchildren are Collins and Wally Westfaul; Oliver and Millie Parr; Marley and Lila Jones; William and Caroline McDowell; Drew, Scooter, Matty, Ruby and Carter MacLean. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Norma Lee Westfaul, and many nephews, nieces, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Eloise Florence Westfaul and his father, Robert Dirkins Westfaul. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Marvin Westfaul, Edward Westfaul, Edwina Westfaul Brewer, Helena Westfaul White, Flossie Westfaul Leigh, and Joyce Westfaul McCullough. He was also deeply saddened of the death of his grandson, Drew MacLean.
A Celebration of Life service for J.D. will be at Eastlawn United Methodist Church in Pascagoula, MS on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Visitation is at the church from 12:30 – 2:00 in the afternoon. The Celebration of Life Service begins at 2:00 p.m. Reverend David L. Newton and Reverend David Huffman are the officiants. Active pallbearers are Marc MacLean, Tyler Westfaul, Scott MacLean, Scott Holmes, Paul Pigorsch, and Clarence DeBose. Honorary pallbearers are J. C. Hansen, Houston Gunn, Billy Bond, and Charles Barber.
Interment and a brief graveside service will be at Griffin Cemetery in Moss Point immediately following the Celebration of Life church service.
Memorial donations may be made to: Live Like Drew Foundation, P.O. Box 1641, Lynn Haven, FL 32444. The website is www.livelikedrew.com . The entire family of J. D. wants to express our heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, acts of kindness, and well-wishes. Thank you!
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27