James Anthony McDermott, age 95, moved to heaven on Aug. 4, 2024, at his home in Lake Charles, La.

He was born in New York City, N.Y., and was the older brother of one sister. Jim left high school at 16 and, with his father’s signature, entered the US Navy. He served in WWII, helped rescue those fleeing the Chinese Revolution, and was called up for Korea.  After being released from the Navy, he worked several engineering jobs in aeronautics and marine, one of which was a shipbuilding company that sent ships (the Lake Charles and the Louisiana) to the LNG Terminal in Lake Charles, which is how he made it to the south. He was also a member of the Merchant Marines. Jim will be remembered for his genius mind, giving nature, kind character, loving heart, and wonderful sense of humor. He was a charter member of Preparing the Way Church in Lake Charles, loved Jesus with all his heart, and loved his Monday night Bible study group.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Bradshaw; son, Michael McDermott, and daughter, Laura MacGuire; stepson, W. Ray Bell; step-daughters, Lauri Bell Sanders and Rhonda Bell Simms; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren with another one on the way, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at Prayer Culture Church (formerly Preparing the Way Church), 3545 Heard Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605, on Aug. 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. Fellowship will follow the service at the church hall. He will be buried in Corsicana, Texas.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.lakesidefh.com