James Robert Derieux IV

James Robert Derieux IV (Robert), 51 years old, of Birmingham, passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2025. He is preceded in death by his father, James Robert Derieux III. (Bob), his grandparents, Sarah Moses and Robert Harrison Killian and Sarah Wood and James Robert Derieux, Jr., his uncle, William Robert (Bill) Killian, and his beloved wife, Victoria Strong. He is survived by his son, Dr. James Robert Derieux V (Rob) of Long Island, New York, his mother, Judy Killian Derieux of Birmingham, his aunt Barbara Killian Preston, and his uncle Dr. John Killian, Sr. (Jeanie Killian), along with a wide circle of family and friends who cherished him.

Robert was born on March 7, 1974, in Birmingham, Alabama. Robert lived a life full of purpose, compassion, and connection. He will be remembered for his sharp humor, generous spirit, and the gift he had for turning strangers into friends. A graduate of Berry High School, Robert earned his bachelor’s degree at Faulkner University and later completed his Master of Business Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He lived and worked in Tuscaloosa, Atlanta, Houston, and most recently, Birmingham. In 2002, he and his best boyhood friend, Forrest Doles, opened a coffee shop in Tuscaloosa, which provided a great gathering spot for college students. He later moved to the Greater Atlanta Area, where he served as an International Director of Operations for Focus Brands, where he oversaw food operations for an array of food brand franchises throughout Canada, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Russia, Israel, Mexico, and Europe. Robert served in various business consulting roles in Houston and Birmingham. No matter where life took him, Robert made lasting connections and never missed an opportunity to engage with the people around him.

Robert attended Dawson Memorial Baptist Church as a child and built friendships there that remained strong throughout his life. Robert loved dogs and had a deep compassion for others, always willing to lend a hand or go the extra mile to help someone in need. He never met a stranger and built and maintained friendships across the globe. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation from 10:00 - 11:00, Monday, April 28, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, AL. A funeral service will follow at 11:00, Dr. Gary Fenton and Tommy Sanders officiating. Interment will be officiated by Dr. John Killian, Sr., in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South. The family requests that all donations be sent to Brother Bryan Mission, 1616 Second Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.