Born in Cassville, Wisconsin. Married to Elizabeth "Betts." (She died 12/18/67. Her obituary in CW did not mention her first name or maiden name.) Employed as a steeplejack and later in the vending machine business.

Coin dealer in Milwaukee. In about 1957 his wife was driving alone when her car stalled on a railroad track. She abandoned the car shortly before it was hit by a train and $25,000 worth of coins were scattered. Most were recovered. Mac carried a newspaper clipping that reported him dead in that accident.

He was best known as the owner of a 1913 Liberty nickel purchased in 1942. He exhibited it extensively both at public shows and privately among friends. It was shown so extensively that it was rumored to be more than one place at the same time. Although there is no doubt that McDermott owned a legitimate coin, he may also have occasionally exhibited an altered coin.

He died in a hospital in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

His name was occasionally incorrectly given as James V. McDermott. He was most frequently referred to as J. V. McDermott.

obit: CW 10/19/66; NN 10/24/66; NUM 79 Dec 1966 page 1639; ANA Hist 1069 bio: E-Sylum 12/11/22