James Demarest

A resident of Alameda for over 50 years, James Anthony Demarest died peacefully at his home on May 20, 2018 after many years of declining health.  He was born in Queens, New York in 1942.   Jim is survived by his wife Mary; sons Dan and Jeff; daughter Heather; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.  He will be dearly missed.

After high school, Jim joined the United States Navy.   He had many tours of duty on the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) “the Navy aircraft carrier”, especially during Vietnam.   During his time in the Navy, he met the woman of his dreams and married her on November 28, 1968.  At this point Jim decided to go into the Navy Reserves, which he served in for another 30 years.

On December 24, 1969, Jim began his long carrier with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  He served many roles: mechanic, shuttle driver, giving drivers tests, tour guide, and clerk.  He spent 40 years building life-long relationships and making people laugh.  Jim especially liked taking agents down “Lombard Street in San Francisco, the crookedest street”.

His post-retirement was spent doing his favorite thing, being on a baseball field.  Through his lifetime, he loved playing ball or watching his three children play the game.  Upon retiring be began umpiring which put him back on the baseball field.  He decided to umpire girls’ softball and loved it, especially if “someone was heckling him”.

We are very thankful to the compassionate health care providers at “Alice Home Care”, friends and family that lent support over these years.  

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Jim’s Life on Saturday, July 14th at Noon at Greer Family Mortuary and Cremation Services, 2694 Blanding Ave, Alameda CA.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to The American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org/donate/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Demarest, please visit our floral store.