I met Derek when I was 16 years old when I got my first job at JCPenney's.  I was super nervous and shy about starting my very first job.  Upon my 1st day, all that changed.  Derek was in charge of the Young Men's Department and he was my trainer.  From the moment I met him I knew he was a great guy and that job was gonna be awesome!  Turned out it was.  He was one of the reasons I stayed working there for 7 years. He was funny, caring, thoughtful and a downright great guy.  We worked a lot together.  Either the weekend 1-9 shifts or weekday 5-9er's with the occasional stock jobs and extended holiday hours.  Our work life turned into a friendship. From Bowling Leagues, JCP Parties, Fantasy Baseball and Football (D-Haussers) , White Sox Games, my wedding, our Vegas Trip and everything else in between!  I would not change a thing! Though it has been a while since we last seen each other, I often think about these moments in my life and how much they mean to me!  I uploaded some pictures I found from our Vegas trip in 2002.  It sucks I don't have any of me and you together, but I am thankful I have these and it shows how much fun we had those 2 weeks.  You were always smiling!

Myself and Sylina send our condolences to the Ooms Family!  

I love ya buddy! 

Ken Muhr