Arthur James McIntyre, "Jim", 87, of Derby, Vermont passed away on January 10, 2025, after a long battle with heart and lung disease.  He was born on October 23, 1937, in Newport, Vermont to Gordon and Gladys (Rexford) McIntyre. At the young age of 15 months, his mother died leaving him to be raised by his father, his grandparents Archie and Pearl (Robbins) Rexford, and many other extended family members.

He graduated from Derby Academy in the class of 1955.  That year he entered the United States Army, being stationed in Washington and Alaska amongst other locations.  He was honorably discharged in 1957.  On December 6, 1958, he married Kathleen "Kitty" Stevens who survives him.

During his lifetime he operated the Shell Service Station in Derby Line while working part-time as a mail clerk. He later became a full-time rural mail carrier and was promoted to Postmaster of the Derby Line Post Office.  When his son was young, he was a Boy Scout Leader, and when his daughter, who arrived almost 10 years later, was little, he made skating rinks in the backyard and helped with the Derby Line ice rink, as well. He loved spending time with his children, whether taking them fishing, sliding, playing games inside or out, tossing a ball or shooting hoops in the backyard, etc., and always encouraged them to do their best, but at the same time, not be too hard on themselves.  Jim was quite a handyman and always did most of the work on their home until such time he felt he could no longer do it, at which time he and Kitty downsized from their Valentine Avenue home in Derby Line to a mobile home in Derby.  After retirement, he was a lister for the Town of Derby, served on the Derby Line Cemetery Board, and in many other positions of public service.

Among his hobbies, he enjoyed fixing up old cars and was a member of the Cars of Yesteryear. He enjoyed wood carving, woodworking, fishing, gardening, and running the Derby Line Music Jam for many years with his wife Kitty, good friend Gary Le Baron, and many others. The donations received from the Music Jams were used to fund scholarships for students studying music or welding.  He adored his time with the musicians and guests alike, they were like a second family to him, and he was proud to be able to help students pursue secondary education, whether academic or trade.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen "Kitty" McIntyre, his son, Tracy McIntyre and wife Christine, his daughter, Kathi Sanville and husband, Mark, two grandchildren, Erin Sanville (Jake) and Riley Sanville, and grand cats and great grand dogs.  He treasured all family and that included sister-in-law Nancy (Stevens) Powierza and husband, Jim, of Florida, sister-in-law Mary Beth (Stevens) Morrison and husband, Malcolm, of Florida/Pennsylvania, and sister-in-law Sigrid Saradunn of Maine along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother-in-law George Stevens and a niece, Stacey Stevens.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Derby Center Cemetery with Rev. Carol Ann Barker officiating. Full military honors will be held.  A Celebration of Life will follow at 5 p.m. at the Elks Club in Derby. Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Orleans-Essex V.N.A. and Hospice, 46 Lakemont Road, Newport, VT  05855 or to the North Country Career Center, Attn: Elisa Hastings, 209 Veterans Ave., Newport, VT 05855. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.

The family of Jim would like to extend a big thank you to all those who assisted him these last few years from the VNA.  You treated him with respect, care and dignity.  Donations to the North Country Career Center will be used to help students who need financial assistance with purchasing work clothing, work boots, and travel costs for national competitions.