On December 7, 1946, Jim married Ruth Scobie in Eau Claire. They lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, returning to Eau Claire just prior to the birth of their first child. 
 
In 1947, Jim joined the Selmer Insurance Agency and began his career as an Independent Insurance Agent. After purchasing the Selmer Agency Jim continued in his career for over 50 years, eventually selling the business to son Steven.
 
Jim was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ for over 60 years, and during that time he served the church in many capacities, as a member on the Board of Deacons, the Finance Committee, and many other committees as well. Jim was also very involved in community organizations throughout his career, including Chairman of the Red Cross, past member of the Luther Hospital Development Committee, a member of the Independent Insurance Agents Board, and, among many others, a member of Boy Scouts of America Council, from whom he received the Silver Beaver Award for his years of service. Jim was also a member of the Masons and the Shriners.
 
Jim will forever remain in the hearts of his family; his wife Ruth; his four children, son David S. and wife Teresa McDermid of Scottsdale, Arizona; son Steven J. and wife Corinne McDermid of Eau Claire; daughter Barbara J. McDermid of Eau Claire; and daughter Mary Ann McDermid and husband Randall Korn of Eau Claire. Grandchildren, Andrew and wife Jenny McDermid and their children, Jon and Jennifer of Farmington, MN; and Jaclyn and husband Jake Larson and their son Jordan of Eau Claire. Jim is further survived by his sister Dorothy and husband Norman Elliott of Eau Claire; and brother-in-law Gene Giles of Eau Claire. He is also remembered by his many wonderful nieces and nephews of the McDermid, Scobie, Giles, and Lange families, as well as his many lifelong friends and colleagues.
 
Jim was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Kay and Bob Lange; his brother Robert McDermid; sister-in-law Bettie Giles; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Rosemary Scobie.
 
Jim was a man who exemplified honesty, integrity, and hard work. He truly enjoyed visiting and working with people of all ages, and he had a great sense of humor and a gentle nature. He loved classical music, and he was appreciated and loved by his family and friends. Growing up, the McDermid children were frequently treated to Sunday afternoon drives, with big bowls of popcorn in the car, when Jim would drive his family through the countryside for many trips down memory lane in the Eau Claire area. After Jim "retired," he and Ruth spent winters in Arizona, enjoying time with many friends and relatives. Playing golf with Ruth and friends at Hillcrest Country Club in Eau Claire and in Arizona were favorite pastimes of Jim's.
 
When home in Eau Claire, Jim continued to go to the office most mornings, but first, he frequently stopped for coffee at Grand Avenue Café to join some of his friends for laughter and discussion on how to solve the world's problems.
 
A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 310 Broadway Avenue, Eau Claire, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2008. Friends and family  may call at the church on Friday morning from 10 am until the time of services.
 
Family members will be available one hour prior to the service in the church narthex (back of the church) to visit with friends and also available following the service in Ingram Hall at the Church.
 
The family would like to thank the Physicians, staff and nurses at Marshfield Clinic and Sacred Hospital for their exceptional care of Jim throughout his many medical emergencies and visits, and a very special thank you to the staff of St. Joseph's Home Hospice Services.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice; St. Joseph's Home Hospice Services; First Congregational United Church of Christ; Boy Scouts of America-Eau Claire; or the American Diabetes Association. Family and friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com.
 
Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and cremation.