JAMES DEREK DIGIOVANNI
FOREVER 47
November 21, 1976 – June 5, 2024
Yanceyville, North Carolina
James Derek DiGiovanni, known simply as Derek to those who loved him, was a kind and compassionate soul with a heart as big as his talent. A gifted drummer with immense ambition, Derek’s love for music and his drive to achieve greatness were reflections of his creative and passionate spirit.
Derek spent much of his life helping others, always offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Despite his own struggles, he remained focused on lifting others up, embodying selflessness and care in a way that touched everyone around him.
His journey was not an easy one, and Derek fought hard against the challenges he faced. Suboxone gave him hope and stability, but when his insurance stopped covering it, his battle became even harder. Tragically, he was lost to fentanyl, leaving an ache in the hearts of those who loved him.
Derek’s mother remembers him as a man with a huge heart and incredible talent. The circumstances of his passing are a devastating reminder of how precious and fragile life is. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will live on in the music he played, the love he shared, and the lives he touched.
Rest peacefully, Derek. You are deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered