Jim DeRossett Leaves Lasting Legacy After Passing at Age 89

James Oliver DeRossett, known to friends and family as Jim, passed away on July 24, 2026, at the age of 89 in Franklin, Tennessee. Born in Premier, West Virginia on May 18, 1937, Jim spent 31 years in Tennessee after moving from Mobile, Alabama in 1995.

Jim's life was marked by his kind and generous spirit, which earned him many friends and admirers throughout his career at IBM and beyond. His natural aptitude for electronics led to a successful stint as a Field Specialist Customer Engineer at IBM, where he received numerous accolades for his dedication and expertise.

After retiring from IBM, Jim went on to serve as a manager for Kodak and Danka Corporation before becoming a car salesman in Middle Tennessee until his early eighties. Throughout his life, Jim was devoted to his family and friends, and will be remembered fondly for his warmth and love of mentoring others.