James Derrick Bandy

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, James Derrick Bandy, fondly known as "Dank," "Big Baby" and "Big D" gained his wings on Thursday, January 25, 2024. He was born on March 30, 1963, in Saginaw, MI, to Willie J. Bandy and the late Margaret Johnson.

James was a talented athlete, who excelled in basketball, football, and his beloved baseball within Buena Vista Township Schools. James met the love of his life Chrystol Preston Bandy, and they exchanged vows on December 29,1984. For 10+ years, he was an avid coach of softball for his children and the youth of Saginaw along with his brother, Michael. As a proud grandpa later in life, he became a “self-appointed” bonus coach to his beloved grands. Some of his other “loves” were cooking, playing Spades, Dominoes, and a family favorite, “Pokeno.” His family was the "apple of his eye," they were the "ebb to his flow." When he entered a room, his presence was larger than life. He exuded such passion that you’d be bombarded with lavish hugs and kisses. James was a dedicated employee with Jacobson’s for 15 years, 10+ years as a lead cook at Bob Evans, and laborer with Beam Industries.

Derrick left an indelible heart print upon the lives of many; he always exuded such joy and laughter in life to the very end. Therefore, he leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his loving wife, Chrystol Preston Bandy; five children, Brandy Bandy, Obie Bandy, Gilbert Bandy, Christopher (Sharmere) Bandy and James Bandy Jr., of Atlanta, GA; his father, Willie Bandy; four grandchildren: Landon Bandy "Lando Lakes the Great," London Bandy "Paylee/Paris," Terance Magee Jr. "Lil D," and MuLanee Bandy "Princess;" five sisters, Marcia Weems, Ashley Faries, Rowena Stigger, Alene Scott, and Sherry Stanford; three brothers, James Johnson "Tony," Michael Bandy, and Terry Pought; father-in-law, Gilbert Preston, sister-in-law, Tracy (Carl) Horton; four aunts, Eula Mae Hatter, Gloria Wilson, Priscilla Curry, and Debra McKenzie; five uncles, Collin Johnson, Obie Washington Jr., Lugene Washington "Champ," Scotty,  Rollin Johnson, and Ahmad S. Hasan; four special cousins, Phylis (Willie), Tanya (Derrick) Times, Terri (Earl) Baskfield, and Jackie Thomas "Tammy;" bonus children, Jacquee Simmons "Mama," Cortney and Carl Horton, Jr.; special niece, Casandra Weems; two honorary grandkids, Kimmie and Tori a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends (fraternity-like brothers) John, Chris, Orlando, Mark, Steve, and a multitude of others including Jimmy and Sally Ruiz.

James is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Margaret Johnson, his maternal and paternal grandparents; mother-in-law, Ertie Preston "Jackie;" aunts, Betty Hasan, Mamie Jones, and Nellie Bandy; uncles, Albert, Carilton, Oscar, Earl and Austin Johnson and Pritchett Bandy; and his brother-in-law, Robert Weems, Jr.,

May his soul rest in eternal peace.