Jack Franklin Dermid, of Wilmington, died peacefully March 24, 2014, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and he will be greatly missed. He was 90.
After growing up in Charlotte and attending Central High School, he served as a corporal in the 511th Fighter Squad in WWII from February 1943 to November 1945. After being honorably discharged from service, he went on to attend North Carolina State University and Oregon State University where he received both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in wildlife management.
Mr. Dermid was fortunate to have a career he enjoyed immensely. From 1948 to 1962, he served as staff photographer, associate editor and managing editor of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine. After leaving the magazine, he went on to become an associate professor of biology at UNC Wilmington until 1985 where he shared his love of nature with hundreds of students.
He was most well known as a prolific wildlife photographer, having developed a love of photography that he had throughout his entire life. His pictures have been published in numerous books and magazines in the United States and around the world.
He was born July 13, 1923, in Charlotte to Eddie and Clarice Dermid and was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Johnson Dermid.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Carol Dermid, of Wilmington; his sweetheart, Mary King Lyons, of Wilmington and her loving family; brother, Victor Dermid and wife, Margaret, of Monroe; sister-in-law, Eleanor Dunn and her husband, Lewis, of Burgaw; many nieces, nephews and wonderful close friends; and devoted caregiver, Linda Watkins.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Andre Leonard for his years of outstanding care.
Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Andrews Mortuary on Market Street with the memorial service following at noon at the Andrews Chapel. Graveside service will be at the Wilmington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to UNC-Wilmington to set up a scholarship fund. The address is UNC-Wilmington, Advancement Office, 601 South College Road, 28403. Donations can also be sent to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA, 22203.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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