James Edward “Jim” DeRousse, 77, of Festus died Feb. 14, 2021, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. DeRousse worked as a track foreman for Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railway for 28 years until his retirement. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of American Legion Post 253 in Festus and Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus. He enjoyed playing poker, hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. Born Nov. 30, 1943, in Festus, he was the son of the late Berlin Joseph and Wilma Imelda (Schilli) DeRousse.
He is survived by his wife: Alline Louise (Randall) DeRousse of Festus, whom he married on May 10, 1963, in Portland, Ore.; three sons: Jimmy (Kim) DeRousse of Ste. Genevieve, Joe (Amy) DeRousse of Festus and Jerry DeRousse of Festus; nine grandchildren: Jolie, Joey, Jacob, Jerrica, Jerrett, Jacklynn, Jenna, Jaidyn and Jesse; two great-grandchildren: Gage and Raeleigh; three brothers: Danny (Rachel) DeRousse of Missouri, Tom (Mary) DeRousse of Stoutsville and Steve (Gaye) DeRousse of De Soto; and two sisters: Marie (Elmer) Perryman and Patty (Charlie) Eaton, both of Festus.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and announced when plans are finalized. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel in Festus.