Jack Louis DeMass
1933 ~ 2014
Our beloved, dear, devoted, and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jack Louis DeMass, age 81, peacefully passed away surrounded by his children on Wednesday, July 23, after a long battle with coronary heart disease and diabetes. He was born in Los Angeles, California, on April 7, 1933. He spent his early years growing up in California and then moved to Cedar City, Utah, where he spent his teenage years. Jack graduated from Cedar City High School in 1951 and Branch Agricultural College in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Taylor, on September 2, 1952. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George LDS Temple.
After graduating from Utah State University with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, he entered the U.S. Air Force and became a jet fighter pilot and flying instructor, graduating in the top five of his class. Jack and Mary lived in several cities while serving in the Air Force before settling in Murray, Utah, to raise their family. Jack loved to fly, received a Masters in Flying, and spent another four years flying in the Utah National Guard. After his military service, he spent the next 40 years in the engineering and land surveying business. He worked for the Utah Department of Highways for several years and then formed his own engineering consulting business where he worked until retirement. He was responsible for much of the Interstate Highway Design in northern Utah and numerous subdivisions, land developments, and highways in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, and Arizona. He was considered an authority on highway design and property development and qualified as an expert witness in all District Courts and the Federal Court in the State of Utah. He testified in over 160 cases. Community service was also an important part of Jack's life and he served in several positions which included being a member and chairman of the Murray City Planning and Zoning Commission for 9 years, and the Sandy City Board of Appeals for 8 years. The most important thing in his life however, was his family. He was a devoted and dedicated husband and father. He adored his beautiful wife of 61 years and his six children. He loved them so much and was very proud of all of them. He spent as much time with them as possible making many cherished memories. We will always remember the fun times at Lake Powell, Bear Lake, and St. George in addition to the many boating and water skiing adventures, camping trips, family vacations, and family parties. Jack loved to travel the world and cruise the seas. His travel included visits to almost every American state, Mexico, Central America, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean Islands. He also walked the Great Wall in China and rode elephants in Thailand. His favorite trips were with his family to Nauvoo and Boston. Jack had a strong testimony of the Gospel.
He was a faithful and dedicated High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many leadership positions on both ward and stake levels. He fulfilled a stake mission with his wife in the Murray Utah Little Cottonwood Stake and they also enjoyed being ordinance workers in the Jordan River Temple together. Nine months ago, he lost the love of his life and has been anxious to be reunited with her. We know they are together again and will be eternally. Jack will always be remembered for his positive attitude, hard work ethic, and wonderful sense of humor.
He was preceded in death by his sweet wife, two oldest sons Mike and Rick, and grandson Jaxan. He is survived by four children; Jackie (David) McMillan, Kevin (Holly) DeMass, Ron (Judi) DeMass, Tami (Eric) Oliver, and daughters-in-law, Joan and MuiLeng; twenty beautiful grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, Utah on Tuesday, July 29 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 30 at 12:00 noon at Goff Mortuary. Friends and family may also visit from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow at the Murray City Cemetery. www.goffmortuary.com
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Dear Jackie,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your father's passing. I have great memories of him when he was our Aaronic Priesthood leader. He influenced many young men for good. May the Spirit bring you and your family peace.
Sincerely,
Doug Potts
August 6, 2014
Dear DeMasses,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. My son Joe and I had the great good fortune of home teaching your dad and mother for a while. They were always so gracious, warm, and welcoming. Your dad and I had in common that we were both reared in Alhambra, California. The world has lost a great man, but I'm happy he can be reunited with your mom and brothers.
Paul Simmons
August 1, 2014
Kevin,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Losing both parents within such a short time is so difficult. I am sure you are somewhat comforted by the knowledge that they are reunited again. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jacque Fivas
July 30, 2014
My heart goes out to the DeMass family at this time. May you find comfort and peace as you celebrate his life and legacy.
Marlene Kay
July 28, 2014
Tami, I am so sorry a out the loss of your father, especially after losing your mother only a few months ago. Vince and I send our love to you and Eric.
Jayna & Vince
July 27, 2014
Ron,
I am sorry to here about your Dad.
He always made me laugh.
Kurt Howard
July 27, 2014
Tami,
So sorry for the loss of your father. We enjoyed reading about him in the obituary. What a wonderful man he was who did so many good things in his life! May God bless and comfort you and all your family.
Sincerely,
Theresa and Neil Nixon
July 27, 2014
Ron and Judi,
I am sorry for the loss of your dear Father.
With Love and respect,
Brent V. Marrott
July 26, 2014
Kevin and Holly,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Michelle Dahle
July 26, 2014
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