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James "Wally" Demarest
James Demarest Obituary
Wally was born on April 11, 1951, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Don and Elma Demarest. At the age of one, his family moved to Hesperus, Colorado, where he spent most of his life surrounded by the mountains that shaped his adventurous spirit. He attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, where he deepened his connection to the outdoors and the community he loved.
A skilled carpenter by trade, Wally was known for his craftsmanship, precision, and integrity. He embodied hard work and humility, and his actions always spoke louder than his words.
An avid outdoorsman and lifelong athlete, Wally found joy in skiing, snowboarding, biking, hiking, camping, boating, and water skiing. He especially loved the La Plata Mountains, his favorite place on earth. In his younger years, he rebuilt a Harley-Davidson into a custom chopper, which he and his wife Pat would take on journeys - a reflection of his creativity, skill, and love for adventure. He also cherished coaching his children's sports, teaching the values of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
Wally was diagnosed with Alzheimer's too young, and he faced it with courage, surrounded by the unwavering love and support of his family. When he passed, it was fittingly during a Denver Broncos game, with Jimmy Buffett playing.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Pat; children Jimmy (Elisa) with children Jed and Cece; Katie (Will) with children George and Charles; and Jenny (Sean) with children Maddie and Elliot.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Hesperus, Colorado, in the summer of 2026, where family and friends will gather to honor a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Durango Dementia Coalition in Wally's honor. http://Www.durangodementiacoalition.org
"He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Demarest
5 Entries
Kim Martin
October 12, 2025
I remember Wally´s humor, even during his dementia years.
Davitt M. Armstrong
October 11, 2025
Wally, with you on the job it was a lot less like "work" - that dreaded four-letter word! - and more like an ongoing collaboration of creativity and discovering inventive solutions to problems large and small. I treasure the gift of sharing laughter with you, and for being able to contribute in some small way to the beauty and sanctity of the home that you and Pat so lovingly crafted. Being entrusted to assist a Master Craftsman is an honor. Maybe the days have passed - who knows? - but these memories abide forever. Thinking of you and your family, old friend. We may be diminished, but your backbone will sustain us.
With great fondness,
Dav
Mary Jo Gage
October 10, 2025
So very sorry for your loss. Glad I knew Jim from ski team in High School. Fun to teach his children at Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School and get to know Pat there and at Hesperus Church. You all faced his decline with love and courage. Gone too soon. Rest in peace Wally.
Curt and Mindy Nrlsen
October 10, 2025
Wally was a joy to work with... He was an exceptional finished carpenter on many of Ralph Masterson jobs. There are so many fond memories. May them both Rest Easy... Go Broncos!
With Love
Curt and Mindy Nelsen
Jenny Kerns
October 9, 2025
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