In Loving Memory of

James Derrick Moore II

November 7, 1968 to May 20, 2026

James Derrick Moore II, affectionately known as “Derrick” passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, at 1:27 AM at Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, following a long and courageous battle with numerous health challenges, including congestive heart failure and complications from a stroke. Though his body grew tired, his spirit never gave up. Derrick fought with incredible strength and determination until his very last breath.

Born on November 7, 1968, in South Hill, Virginia, Derrick’s life was marked by resilience, love, creativity, and perseverance. He attended public schools in Richmond, Virginia, where life experiences and hands on skills helped shape him into the hardworking entrepreneur and provider he became. Derrick built his life through determination, wisdom, and an unmatched ability to make something out of nothing.

As a professional painter and entrepreneur, Derrick became known for his craftsmanship, work ethic, and vision. Whether through painting, landscaping, or finding solutions during difficult seasons of life, Derrick had a gift for creating pathways where there seemed to be none. He carried a strength that inspired everyone around him.

Derrick was a devoted family man with a personality that could light up any room. He could be playful and full of laughter one moment, then protective and strong the next. He loved music, dancing, movies, fishing, grilling, landscaping, and spending time outdoors. Some of the most cherished memories shared by his children were the simple moments spent together, especially family outings like Lake Fest, where his joy and love for his family were on full display.

Above all else, Derrick’s greatest pride and accomplishment was his children and grandchildren. His love for his family never wavered, even through years of illness and hardship. After battling congestive heart failure in 2017 and later suffering a stroke in 2019 that left him weakened on his right side with severe speech difficulties, Derrick continued to fight every single day with courage and resilience. His strength during those years became one of the greatest examples he could leave behind for his family.

Derrick is survived by his beloved children, James Derrick Moore III, Jasmil Moore and his wife Chanel Moore, Javonte Malik Moore, Jamoia Pettus, Jayda Glenn, and Jasmine Pettus. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Jiara Moore, Carli Craig, Gianna Pettus, Kyrie Pettus/ Garner , and Mylah Garner, who will continue carrying forward his love, strength, and legacy.

He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Stephanie Ashley and Mary Michelle Moore, his special aunt Betty Jean Love, his father James Clinton Moore Sr., and former spouses Debra Moore and Priscilla Pettus, who all shared meaningful chapters of his life.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Wilia Moore, and his brother, Franklin Keith Moore.

To know Derrick was to know strength, sacrifice, loyalty, and unconditional love. He was a fighter in every sense of the word. Even during his hardest moments, he continued pushing forward for the people he loved most. His life reminds us that true greatness is not measured by material things, but by the love you give, the battles you overcome, and the legacy you leave behind.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find peace knowing Derrick is no longer suffering. We trust that he is now resting safely in the presence of the Lord, free from pain and embraced by eternal peace.

James Derrick Moore II leaves behind a legacy that will forever live on through his family, friends, and everyone blessed enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and forever remembered.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

Rest peacefully, Pop.