James was born near Neersville, Virginia. Alot of his relatives moved to Sangamon Co., Illinois from Virginia.

Obituary: J.M. Derry was born in London county, Virginia, September 19, 1822, and died at his home in Petersburg, Ill., Thursday, February 23, 1905, aged 82 years, 5 months and 4 days. He came to Illinois when twenty-seven years old and settled on a farm near Springfield. He was married to Cordelia Kalb April 17, 1851, and to this union was born three children; one dying in infancy. Those surviving are: Mrs. J.H. Elmore, of Chula, Mo., and E. Derry, of Menard county. His first wife died Oct. 6, 1854. Mr. Derry was again married to Martha Pollock October 17, 1861. To this union was born ten children: Charles, Benjamin, Lilly, Libbie, Ethel, Mrs. John White, Mrs. Samuel Ennis, all of Menard county, A.E. Derry, of Piatt county, Mrs. Homer Clark, of Sheridan, Mo. There are twenty-six grand children and four great grandchildren with many other relatives and friends to mourn his loss. He united with the Methodist church when quite young and until about five years ago, when his health failed him, was a very attentive member. He was a devoted husband and loving father.

From the book entitled 'Derry and Pollock History' written by Charles H. Derry in the 1920s:
"The first relationship between the Pollock and Derry families was the marriage of James M. Derry and Martha J. Pollock, which occurred October 17, 1861. This worthy couple was blessed with the privilege of living long enough to see their nine children grow to manhood and womanhood. They lived to see the third generation of their descendants. They fought bravely the battles of life incident to rearing a large family, and finally were called from their labors on earth to (as we have every reason to believe) Eternal Bliss in the Paradise of God; leaving a heritage to their descendants, which is far more valuable than earthly riches, namely, useful, well-spent and righteous lives, which we as their descendants may pattern after. The family altar was a permanent fixture in their home. Regular church attendance was a fixed habit. On Sunday morning no questions were asked as to who was going to church, because all went unless prevented by sickness or other unavoidable causes. Their home was many times the stopping place of the preacher. They supported the church with their influence; also with their money. They were always ready to aid in the civic activities of their community, and always eager to render assistance to any who were needy or in trouble."