Jimmy was the colorful owner and operator of the midtown Manhattan fishing tackle shop known as the Angler's Roost. Initially located on 43rd Street between Second and Third Avenue, then moved to the basement level of the Chrysler Building at Lexington Ave. and 42nd Street. Later on Deren would move his shop to 44th Street.

In the 1940's Jimmy had Walt Dette working in the shop for a short time, affectionately known as just "The Roost" by it's regulars. Situated in the heart of Manhattan many of the notables of the business, politcal, and show business world made up the cliental, as well as the not so famous among us. The Deren's Fox Dry Fly carries this raspy voiced tackle merchant's name.