James "Bill" DeMoss

James William (“Bill”) DeMoss died on August 2, 2025 in Austin, Texas following a stroke. During the last few years of his life, Bill faced multiple serious medical conditions, all of which he met with grace, courage, and humor. He died surrounded by his beloved husband, Aaron Flores, and a group of devoted friends.

Bill was born on December 30, 1952 in Archer City, Texas. He spent his formative years in the small towns of Archer City and Edna, Texas. He went to Boston University and spent his early adulthood in Boston, enjoying the culture and friendships he found in the big city.

After many years in Boston, Bill moved back to Texas, first to Dallas and then settling in Austin for the last decades of his life. In Boston and Texas, he worked in a variety of professions, including as a jeweler, interior designer, realtor, and model. In Austin, he was one of the first hires of a small start-up, Dell Technologies, getting paid in stock options and working his way up the ladder to a valued project manager. He retired early and spent the rest of his life enjoying his many hobbies and spending time with friends and family.

Bill was kind, compassionate, generous, talented, scary smart, devilishly handsome, and most of all, had a wicked wit and sly sense of humor. He reveled in making fun of the absurd and was not afraid to laugh at himself. His observations were sly and cunning, the kind that made you pause, reconsider, and then laugh harder because he was absolutely right. He carried the easy warmth of Texas charm, the razor edge of Boston intellect, and a voice entirely without filter – never for the faint of heart, but always for the good of truth. He was brutally honest in the most disarming way, delivering wisdom wrapped in humor and humor wrapped in wisdom. His laugh was contagious and he made you laugh long and hard.

Bill was incredibly talented and creative and had many hobbies. He loved decorating and projects and could do anything – upholstery, sewing, crochet, decoupage, drawing, and putting gold-leaf on any item, large or small. He had impeccable taste and a great eye for colors, fabrics and unique décor items. His passion was mid-century modern and his and Aaron’s house is a masterpiece show-home. He was known as the “bionic Martha Stewart”. No project was too complex and he would dedicate days to the tiniest details. He was a perfectionist. He treasured family heirlooms and the house was full of furniture, art, and photos from his grandparents’ home (including Grandma’s curtains). He published two extraordinary photo books – one of the house and one of his and Aaron’s wedding.

Bill was a gourmet chef and loved cooking, entertaining, and Julia Child. His meals and table were meticulously planned and favorites include Deboned Stuffed Cornish Game Hens, On-Shell Lobster Thermidor, Southern Squash Casserole, handmade tortillas, 7-Layer Cake, and delicious martinis. Friends loved coming for dinner and were served on Grandma’s china. He was an avid gardener and took special care of his beloved orchids. The backyard is an oasis of beautiful plants and creative design.

Bill loved music, particularly broadway songs, jazz, and songs from the American Songbook. He was proud of Aaron’s piano playing and would ask him frequently to play his favorites. He worshipped Judy Garland and would come out of his office to listen whenever Aaron played Over the Rainbow. Although Bill was not the most demonstrative person, Aaron could tell when his playing touched him.

He had a passion for rescue pugs and was a devoted dad to many, including Delores, Tony, Jelly, Snaggy, Molly, and Audrey. Bill adopted the pugs that were overlooked and gave them lives full of love and tender care (have you seen what Audrey eats?) He was a generous supporter of multiple pug rescue groups. He could not resist heart-tugging commercials and also gave generously to ASPCA and St. Jude’s.

Bill met his adored husband and partner of 18 years, Aaron, in Austin. After an unimpressive first date, Bill begged Aaron to see him again and a long and successful relationship began. Bill showered Aaron with cards, surprise visits, and delicious dinners and sealed the deal by making room for Aaron’s cherished piano in his house. They married in 2017 in their house surrounded by dear friends. Bill was a caring spouse, cooking Aaron’s favorite foods (his mother’s beans and rice), homemade soup when Aaron was sick, birthday cakes, and attending Aaron’s social events.

Bill was a devoted and loyal friend. He had several life-long friendships that were particularly important to him, including Paul Meisler and Vernon Traxler, Andrea Kunst, Frazer Pajak, Bill Miller, and Richie Parsons. These relationships were deep and profound and Bill would do anything for them and they in turn, would do anything for him. Bill kept in close touch over the decades and there were many trips and visits with these special friends.

Bill deeply cared about his family. He was particularly close to his grandmother, Helen Young (Grandma) and was cherished by her. He had a lifelong bond with his cousin, Kerry O’Keefe. Kerry and Bill were the same age and both had mischievous personalities and were famous in the family for pulling pranks and generally causing trouble at family gatherings. This continued throughout their lives and even in their 40’s, they were told to separate at a family wedding for being too sassy. As the second oldest grandchild, Bill was idolized by his younger cousins who affectionately called him Bubba. When they were young, a visit from Bill from Boston was like a celebrity coming to town. Although his mother could be challenging, he remained devoted to her and his father and cared for each of them through the end of their lives.

Bill is survived by his loving husband, Aaron Flores, his uncle Bill Young, cousins Janice Henderson, Matt and Mandy Tucker, Howdy and Vickie Tucker, and Will Young, and many cherished friends.

Aaron loved Bill deeply and will forever carry his memory in his heart.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 8, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill’s memory to Pug Rescue of Austin: austinpugrescue.com