James DeMars

James Alton DeMars (Jim), a former resident of Neenah, passed away on December 5th 2025, at Aspire Community for Seniors in Kimberly where he had been living for the past seven months. 

He was born on December 3rd. 1930, in Houghton Michigan, the son of the late Arthur J. and Carrie (Spearman) DeMars. He attended St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic School. When not in school, Jim and his brother Art created their own adventures, which generated stories for years to come.    

Jim served in the Navy Reserve as well as a full term of service in the US Army during the Korean War. 

On July 7, 1951, Jim was united in marriage to Mary (Betty) Teliin of Houghton.  They resided in Houghton where they lived until 1962 before moving to Neenah where they raised their 9 children.

He worked for Tri City Heating Company as a service provider, later purchasing the company which he and Betty ran for over 35 years.

In his early years, Jim loved to hunt and be outdoors. Over his lifetime, he developed a variety of skills and could fix just about anything. He was very proud of his model train set that he built for his children and grandchildren. Jim valued family and his Houghton heritage. He and Betty made sure to expose their family to their Houghton roots.

Jim and Betty loved to travel with their dear friends Wally and Carol. Their many trips throughout the United States provided them with many fond memories.

He was preceded in death by his sister Pearl DeMars, brother Arthur DeMars, and sister-in-law Jean DeMars. Survivors include his loving wife Mary DeMars and his children James (Teri) DeMars Jr. of Neenah, Roger (Janice) DeMars of Neenah, Sandra (Kim) DeMars of San Jose CA, Bob (JoAnn) DeMars of Neenah, Tom DeMars of Neenah, Gary DeMars of Hortonville, Mary (Jerry) Larsen of New Castle CO, Dawn (Steven) Overesch of Hortonville, Nancy (Phil) Schilling of Neenah, daughter-in-law Debbie DeMars, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 9th 2026, at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Neenah. Father Larry Seidl will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place in the spring at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah.

Jim's family would like to give a special thank you to the caring staff at Aspire and Moments Hospice for their loving care and kindness.