Jim DeMars

James "Jim" M. DeMars Sr., 91, of Chattanooga, passed away on Wednesday, April, 27, 2011.A lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area. Jim was a longtime employee with Norfolk Southern Railroad and retiring as foreman of engines in the Atlanta office. He was a Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite Temple. Jim was a member of St. John United Methodist Church where he was given an award for nursing home visitation. He loved nature, rocks, traveling and was a historian in the Old Harrison area. Jim had a strong believe in God, family, and doing for others.He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 60 years, Auline DeMars; mother, Pearl DeMars; brothers, Wert and Wallace DeMars.Jim is survived by his children, Norma (Peter) Joyce, St. Augustine, Fla., Barbara (Jack) Emmert, Chattanooga and James "Chip" DeMars, Jacksonville, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Christi (Thomas) Ponder, Atlanta, John (Sherri) Emmert, Chattanooga, Heather (Frank) Surface, Jacksonville, Fla., James "Scott" (Angie) Emmert, Chattanooga, Katherine (Chris) Emmert-Kozo and Kevin Emmert, both of LaJolla, Calif., and James M. "Tripp" DeMars III, Jacksonville, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren and future great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.The family would like to thank the staff at The Lantern at Collegedale and Hospice of Chattanooga at the Standifer Place.The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday at the North Chapel.Services for Jim will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the North Chapel with Rev. Sherry Boles officiating.Burial will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens with his grandsons and great-grandsons serving as pallbearers.Memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Methodist Church, 3921 Murray Hills Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416, or the Alzheimers Association, 7625 Hamilton Park Drive, Suite 8, Chattanooga, TN 37421.Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist.