F. James Demarais

F. James DeMarais age 78, of Mud Creek near Caseville died Thursday morning, November 4, at Bay Regional Medical Center from heart problems.
He was born March 23, 1932 in Fowlerville to the late Caleb and Agnes (Peterson) DeMarais.

After high school, he served in the US Army for two years, when he returned he furthered his education receiving his Bachelor’s Degree from Albion College and his Masters Degree in Education Administration from Eastern Michigan University.
On June 21, 1958, he was united in marriage to Rose M. Guza at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Flint.

Jim was a guidance counselor, retiring from Dearborn Heights Junior High School in 1994, where he served 37 years. During that time he also coached football, basketball and baseball for over 17 years.
He and his family had been coming to their cottage in Port Austin since1972 and moved to Mud Creek in 1996.
Jim was a member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church and was an avid Detroit Sports fan, enjoyed fishing and playing cards. He had also worked as a football official for the Thumb High School Athletic Association for several years after retiring.

Surviving are his wife, Rose; six children, Michelle DeMarais of Dearborn, Patti (Brian) King of Chicago, Marty (Rene Borst) DeMarais of Geneva, IL, Denise Beachy of Sebewaing, David (Chasely Paul) DeMarais of Denver, CO and John (Allison) DeMarais of Phoenix, AZ; eight grandchildren; a great granddaughter and his brother, Norman (Alberta) DeMarais of Fowlerville. Preceding him in death was a daughter, Annette; a son-in-law, Brad Beachy; a brother, Carl DeMarais and a sister, Mary Jane DeMarais.

A funeral mass will be conducted 11:00 AM Monday, November 8, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, Pigeon. Rev. Fr. John Weis, pastor will officiate with burial at St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery, Port Austin.
Friends and family may call at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton from 2 to 9 PM Sunday and at the church after 10 AM Monday.
Memorials may be directed to Catholic Relief Services or Covenant House.
Words of condolence may be shared at www.cfcElkton.com.