James Richard Demel

James Richard Demel, age 84, of Sun City, Arizona passed away on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Jim was born January 6, 1938 in Odin, Kansas to Adolph and Carrie Demel. He grew up sixth of seven children and the middle son of three boys.

Jim attended school at Odin Grade and High School in central Kansas. While in high school he bought a 1941 Harley Davidson motorcycle, one with a foot clutch and hand gearshift. The Harley had a “fatal flaw” in the front fork and both he and brother Jerry rolled the bike on separate occasions. In Jim’s case he wound up with stitches in his forehead.

Jim attended St. Benedict College in Atchison, KS for one semester and then Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS. There he met Terri Grabbe whom he met before leaving college and joining the Air Force and they soon married.

Though he helped on his parent’s farm, he also spent a summer with a custom harvest crew, traveling from Texas to North Dakota. It was his love of the harvest that he enjoyed with his oldest sister’s family after retirement from his professional career as he worked driving a grain truck with loads of wheat to the elevator.

James honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. He trained at Kessler AFB. 3401st Sch Sq, ATC. He completed ATC Instructor Training, 3510 Flying Training Group, Randolph AFB and then transferred to Mather AFB, 3535th Navigation Training Wing. James trained Pilots in and navigation of the B-52's. He then transferred to Waco to continue training and complete his active duty as a 1st Lt.

James completed inactive duty and received an Honorable Discharge January 30, 1973.

James went on to work for IBM, starting his employment as an Service Engineer in Waco, TX.

He continued his involvement in the development of many IBM systems including the S3 and AS400 and wrote code and integrated hardware. James completed his career with IBM as a Senior Sales Consultant for the Insurance Industry.

James always joked, IBM does not just stand for International Business Machines, Internally it is known as "I've Been Moved". Although he started in Waco, TX, he moved to Rochester, MN, then to Boulder, CO, back to Rochester, MN, then to Boca Raton, FL and returned to Rochester , MN.

After 30 years of service to IBM James retired to Sun City, AZ. Here he enjoyed volunteering with the Knights of Columbus, bingo at his parish and at the Elks Lodge. James was also very proud to have served on the Sun City Posse as a trainer and as the Posse Commander in 2006.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Theresa "Terri" Demel.

James is survived by his daughter, Deirdre "Dee" Demel, son James "Jim" R. Demel Jr., partner, Edna Futcher and siblings, Cecelia "Sis" Schneweis, Bill Demel and Jerry Demel.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, January 31, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Sunland Mortuary - Lakeside Chapel, 15826 Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, Arizona. A memorial service will occur Friday, February 4, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Sunland Mortuary - Lakeside Chapel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Demel family.