James P. Demerest

Mr. Demerest, age 70, passed away at St. Mary's Mercy Medical Center in Grand Rapids. He had lived in Holland since 1999, formerly of Bay City and West Branch. Jim was born in West Branch and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War. Jim retired as Terminal Manager from Suttles Truck Leasing of Grayling. He was an active member of the Lady of Our Lake Church in Holland, MI. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beverly of Holland, children--Daniel (Debra) Demerest of Holland, LeeAnn Kerr (Mike Wade) of Houghton Lake and Mark (Linda) Demerest of Grand Haven, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Deanna (Gale) Sullivan of Bay City, Linda (Guy) Fisk of Amherst, NH., and Julie Kimball of West Branch and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Lois Demerest. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Monday May 5, 2004 from 1-9 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Branch. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mary's Cancer Center, 310 Lafayette SE Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI. 49503