James Stewart De Mond

JAMES STEWART DeMOND, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 6, 2018. He was born in Coldwater, Mich. in the home of his maternal grandfather, Dr. Frederick W. Stewart, on Jan. 4, 1924, to Raymond John De Mond and Beatrice Gracia (Stewart) De Mond. The De Mond family enjoyed summers at Ackerson Lake, where Jim developed his great love of fishing. He was a scholar and avid reader, a champion swimmer, and lead the Jackson, Mich. High School swim team in breaststroke and butterfly becoming an All-American Swimmer. De Mond matriculated at Michigan State College in 1941, leaving shortly thereafter to serve with the U.S. Army in the European Theater of operations; James served his country with honor in World War ll from 1942 to 1945. He returned from the war to surprise his mother on Thanksgiving Day, 1945. Following the war, he returned to his home state of Michigan to resume his education at Michigan State College (now MSU). He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, and sang in the men's glee club. His daughter, Camille Marie, was named after the song " Marie" that he sang in competition. Jim met his true love at the MSU Student Union, and married Patricia Ann Bullis on Sept. 4, 1948, following graduation. He continued his studies in their graduate school. He and Pat were loyal Spartan fans, never missed a game, and flew the MSU flag with pride. Jim is a fifth generation Freemason on both sides of his family dating back to the Grand Lodge of Scotland and the Grand Lodge National Française in France. The sword utilized by his son-in-law Dr. William Pond, for his installation as Commander of Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4, was on loan from James De Mond and which sword belonged to his father Raymond J. De Mond, who was knighted in 1922 in Havana, Ill. He loved his Masonic career, and served in both state and national bodies: M.I.P.G. National Grand Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Scotland; Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests; Societas Rosicruciana; as well as Past Grand Commander, Knights Templar Indiana. He was awarded the 33 Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the Order of Purple Cross, the Caleb. B. Smith Award, Grand Lodge of Indiana in addition to numerous other high honors of distinction. Jim always said being Worshipful Master of his lodge was the highest honor of his 60-year career. In 1951, he began a 27-year career in transportation, leaving his position as director to accept an appointment as Executive Director of the Scottish Rite Valley, serving 17 years until his retirement. Jim was very active with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 419, where his son, Paul, and grandson, Scott, both achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He accompanied Paul to Philmont Scout Ranch, as did son-in-law, Bill, with his son, Scott. The De Monds also shared a love of bridge and sailing, and sailed the Great Lakes each summer with good friends from college days, Jack and Muriel Rillema. Jim loved family gatherings, grandchildren and dogs abounding, and will always be remembered as a patriarch who delivered the most eloquent Grace. He was a man of high integrity and will be greatly missed. A faithful Christian, Jim is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Patricia; son, D. Paul (Diana) De Mond; daughter, Camille (Dr. William) Pond; grandchildren, Evan (Dr. Jill Anderson) De Mond, Jeremy De Mond, Jennifer (Jon-Jon) Knepp, Dr. Gregory (Amy) Pond, Joel Aiken, Scott Pond; and great-grandchildren, Beatrice, Walker, Eleanor and Holden Knepp, and Catherine De Mond. Also surviving is his brother, John E. De Mond of Alanson, Mich.; nieces, Laurie (Gerald) Rosen, Cheri (Jeff) Lusis; nephew, Wade (Michelle) De Mond; and grandnieces and -nephews. Also included as family are life-long dear friends, the Rillema Family. Funeral Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 611 W. Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Ind. There is no calling at the church prior to the funeral service. Private burial will take place at Waldron Cemetery, Waldron, Mich. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2018, at Trinity Episcopal Church with Masonic Service conducted to follow at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to Trinity Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home.