Mr. James Vincent DeMera

James V. DeMera Jr. was born to loving parents James and Vera DeMera in Fresno, CA where he was raised with his fun and loving siblings Howard, Elouise "Dede", Neil and Janet. He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School where he participated in musical events and other endeavors. He then attended Fresno State College where he met the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Marie Diener, who he married on June 14, 1952. He enrolled in the United States Air Force shortly thereafter and attained the rank of staff sergeant before his discharge in 1955. He returned to Fresno and joined his father's accounting practice. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1960.

Several years later he joined with his childhood friend Tom Ferdinandi in buying an interest in a pizza business known as Me-N-Eds. They eventually purchased the franchise rights to Me-N-Eds and grew the business to over 27 locations when they sold their business in 1996.

He loved to travel with his family. In even the most remote and unlikely locations throughout the world, his passion for golf drove him to find a course. He often went to Fig Garden Golf Club after dinner alone for a few holes and to pray his beloved rosary. He and many of the local priests and Bishops over the years played many rounds of golf together. He also participated in many Pro-Ams including the Sahara Invitational and the Los Angeles Open. He was also an avid fan of short track hardtop and midget auto racing and often talked about local hero Billy Vukovich. He frequently took his young children to Kearney Bowl for the Friday night races.

Jim and Marie have quietly supported many local charities and Catholic institutions in the Fresno and Aptos area.

Jim made friends with everyone he met and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is best remembered as a simple, lovable man who loved God and his Catholic faith, his devotion and love for his Wife, Marie, and children, Alice Kitahara and husband Larry, James DeMera III and wife Babette, David, Thomas, Celeste and partner Suzanne and Patrick and wife Maggie; grandchildren James DeMera III and wife Lisa, Nichole Lontz and husband Charles, Krystal Kitahara, Chelsea Kitahara, Joseph DeMera and especially Alexander DeMera. He dearly loved all of his many nieces and nephews and was always thrilled to see them and their families.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A Recitaiton of the Holy Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Jim's honor to Our Lady of Victory Catholic School or the Nazereth House.