OBITUARY: James Michael Dierstein, 73, of Melbourne Beach Passed Away July 14 After Fearless Battle With Melanoma

Jim was the epitome of someone who lived life to its fullest

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – James Michael Dierstein, 73, of Melbourne Beach, Florida, passed away on July 14, 2022, after a long and fearless battle with Melanoma.

Born July 23, 1948, in Lafayette, Indiana, Jim was a son to the late George Samuel Dierstein and Dorothy Jane Heyman Dierstein.

Jim was the epitome of someone who lived life to its fullest. His warm smile and endless, positive energy were truly contagious. He maintained a very active lifestyle throughout, never letting age or obstacles hold him back.

After serving time in the Vietnam War, Jim met the mother of his children, Betty J. Boaz. They wed in August of 1971 and had five sons: David, Michael, Adam, Steven, and Kevin. He was a dedicated teacher for over 25 years, impacting countless students’ lives.

Jim was a Virginia Beach resident for almost 30 years. After retiring in 2005, Jim moved to Melbourne Beach, Florida, with his loving partner, Joyce Brewer. Jim and Joyce participated in various sports together in Florida while enjoying retirement.

Jim made a lasting impression on everyone he met, and his legacy will certainly live on through his children and grandchildren. Those left to cherish his memory are his sons: David (Janet), Michael (Kristi), Adam (Laurie), Steven (Jordan), and Kevin (Julie); his eight grandchildren: Brooke and Van (David), Ryan and Eli (Michael), Paige and June (Adam), Walker (Steven), and Gavin (Kevin); all of Virginia Beach; his partner, Joyce Brewer; and three sisters, Linda Dierstein of Florida, Ann Cording of Wisconsin, and Mari Adwell of Indiana.

Jim had a life full of amazing accomplishments, but the one he was most proud of and brought him the greatest joy was his family. He treasured every moment being a father, grandfather, and watching his family grow.

A casual “Celebration of Life” will be held on Sunday, July 31st, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Smartmouth Brewing in Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or The Parkinson’s Foundation, as Jim was also battling Parkinson’s in the final years of his life.

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