James Demijohn

James Demijohn

December 31, 1946 - August 05, 2026

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Obituary

Demijohn, James R. “Jim”

Saginaw, Michigan

Our dear friend passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Traditions of Saginaw. He was 79 years old. James Robert Demijohn was born on December 31, 1946 in Saginaw to Peter J. and Carolyn R. (Baskins) Demijohn. He was a graduate of the Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute and studied at Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. Jim worked as a substitute teacher in the Tri-City area. He was active in Alcoholics Anonymous for over 40 years. He also enjoyed attending church at 1st Congregational Church.

Jim is survived by many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David Demijohn and his close friend and caregiver, Terry Manwell.

SERVICE: A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2026 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Guests are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Paul Kuntzman will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.

Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com

 

 

Events

10
Visitation
Mon Aug 10, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
Deisler Funeral Home • 2233 Hemmeter Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603
Get Directions
10
Funeral
Mon Aug 10, 2026 @ 11:00 AM EDT
Deisler Funeral Home • 2233 Hemmeter Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603
Get Directions

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James
SD
Susie DePrekel/Keiser
Friend •
I totally agree with what my sister, Molly DePrekel, said about Jim. I believe Jim had a special gift of listening to our elders and making them feel comfortable. When I would visit my mom, Jim would be sitting there chatting with her or playing some sort of game. Thank you Jim & rest in peace.
MD
Molly DePrekel
Friend •
I appreciated how good Jim was with mom Dottie D. He always made time for her and was patient when she struggled with her memory. I do believe she is now giving you a good talking to up in heaven. Thanks for your love of my mom and my brother D...Jim
FR
Fred Reif
Friend •
I first met Jim in junior high at Webber School, and he was a character. I then ran in to him at Delta College, where we became fraternity brothers at Phi Sigma Beta. He then seem to always pick on me for something. He was always way bigger (physically) than myself. When I moved to Ann Arbor, he would come down to visit and usually spend the night. He was an excellent chef, so the meals he cooked were always really good. When I moved back to Mid-Michigan, we were in communication, but after awhile, it sort-of ended, and didn't know where he was anymore. Rest in peace, Jim.
KM
Kathy Manwell
Friend •
I first met Jim in the 1970s when I started dating my husband Terry. In those days he was a “character” who lived life a bit on the edge, yet he was an excellent bridge player. A late bloomer, he eventually joined the Merchant Marine and brought some discipline to his life that was further enhanced when he completed a degree from one of the best culinary schools in the country. Along with a sense of pride, this gained him a position as chef on the yacht of a family whose home graced the cover of Architectural Digest. Not bad for a late bloomer. Some things I will remember most about Jim are his perpetual sense of curiosity and wonder with the world; his wicked sense of humor- even with my husband’s grandmother; the twinkle in his eye when displaying that humor; and, though he had no children of his own, his continual interest in the lives and progress of our children. Rest in peace, Jim. Your friends on the other side are going to get a great meal tonight, and they won’t need to look for a fourth for bridge.

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