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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Jim Demos Obituary
Jim P. Demos, age 91, passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Demos; sisters, Stama Johnson, Virginia Applequist, and Christine Boyd.
He is survived by his son, Peter Demos and his wife Kristin; daughter, Felicia Demos; grandchildren, Jamey Demos and Karys Demos; sister, Mary Demos; longtime companion, Donna Reed; and many other extended family and close friends. Jim also cherished his relationship with the Reed children and grandchildren.
Jim lived a life defined by hard work, creativity, faith, and deep devotion to the people around him. Over the years he held numerous jobs—from movie theaters to restaurants, most notably as the founder of Toots and Demos’—and everywhere he worked, he brought a special gift for business and the recipes that helped shape it. Jim’s love for his craft showed in the care he poured into mentoring employees who came to see him as a “second dad,” and in the genuine appreciation he showed to every customer he served. Even after retirement, his passion for the industry never dimmed; he continued developing recipes, encouraging others, and sharing his wisdom freely.
Beyond his work, Jim enjoyed exercise, movies, woodworking, and the companionship of his dogs. A lifelong learner, he often called his son Peter to talk through Biblical questions and deepen his understanding of his faith. Jim was a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose definition of family extended far beyond name or blood—rooted instead in love, gratitude, and the relationships he nurtured throughout his life. He will be remembered with profound love and appreciation by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 11:00-2:00 PM at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers.
Memorial donations may be made to Greenhouse Ministries in memory of Jim Demos. www.greenhousemin.org
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Demos
24 Entries
Lory Breckler
December 14, 2025
I had great respect for Jim & Doris. They gave me a chance many years ago in the Demos Restaurant here in Murfreesboro. They were wonderful employers and pillars of the community. They will leave a legacy for all to remember.
Brenda Bradley
December 14, 2025
I was Blessed by knowing Jim & Doris when we worked together at Country & Western Foods. Doris and I worked in the office and became the best of Friends. All the girls we worked with were younger and it was a real eye opener for Doris and me. I loved her and Jim, they were such a Great Couple.
Jim was a true Genteel & Amazing person and he could work with anybody. If only the world had more Jim & Doris Demos's. To know that Jim & Doris are together again makes my heart soar. To the Family of Jim & Doris, what Great shoes You have to fill and a roadmap of how to be the Best You can. May GOD hold You in the palm of His Hand as You continue their Legacy.❤❤❤
Clint Cherne
December 14, 2025
One of the greatest men I ever got to know. He is a legend in his field, but also shared wisdom that reached beyond the restaurant world. His passion was contagious. You wanted to be great for him. Every time I focus on the details and anticipate the risks at my current job, I think of Mr Demos. Praise God for the time we had with him and the works he did.
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Tony C.
December 13, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Glenn Randolph
December 12, 2025
I met Mr. D in 1993 when I began working at his restaurant, which I considered my first full-time job. I spent almost two decades there, and during that time, he became a second father figure in my life. The void he leaves behind will be difficult to fill. His teachings and guidance will continue to shape us throughout our lives.
[email protected] Peach
December 11, 2025
Great person. Smart, kind, cared about
people. Wish I could have known him
longer. Rest in peace Mr.Jim.
Prayers for the entire family. Our world
could use more Jim Demos's.
jim owens
December 11, 2025
What a great man and restaurant owner. I will never forget me and my wife's first date at his and his wife's restaurant many years ago. God bless his family
Adam Morton
December 11, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Ellyn Kullmar
December 11, 2025
What a precious precious man and neighbor! We love your whole family!!
chris perkins
December 11, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Beth Ervin
December 11, 2025
I worked in the WS office with Mr and Mrs Demos my senior year (80). They made a lasting impression on my life and remember that time with fondness. My sympathies to the family during this sad time.
Raymond Daugherty
December 11, 2025
He was a great man.
Randall & Linda Matlock
December 11, 2025
My wife and I were among Jim and Doris first customers at Demos. He was so very friendly and seemed to never meet a stranger. He set a standard that few restauranteurs ever achieve; Great, high quality food delivered always hot and delicious. And his bread was and is the best in Tennessee. He and Doris trained Peter and Felicia to deliver the same great product and in so doing Jim and Doris legacy lives on in their children.
Cathrine Gordon
December 11, 2025
Mr. Demos was a truly kind man who lived his faith. I remember one particular Sunday when we were hosting a reception at St. Paul's Episcopal Church for the bishop and due to unforeseen circumstances we did not have enough food items for the number of attendees. Mr. Demos saw my distress, and without saying a word to me, he left and returned with food from the restaurant. His kindness and charity to help is something I will never forget. May we all strive to live as he did.
Frank Pratt
December 11, 2025
I loved Jim Demos dearly. I took care of his generator and electrical needs for many years. Whenever I had the chance I would stop by and visit with him. We would go out on his enclosed porch and sit for awhile. Being with Jim was such a great privilege and never grew old. Jim would talk about how proud he was of his family, Donna and her family, and we would talk about the Lord. We talked about his beginnings working with his Dad at the end of soda bar counting drink bottles, his time in the service, his first vehicle, and his family life growing up in a Greek family. We talked a lot about the chicken soup recipe at the restaurant and he gave credit for that to his Mom. He said "If you got sick it was chicken soup for days." I will miss Jim greatly but am joyful because I know he is in the presence of the Lord. I am so very thankful that I was able to see him last Saturday although he was not feeling the best I will continue in prayer for Peter, Kristin, Felicia, and the Demos family as I have since I met Jim. Rest in peace my dear brother and friend! You will be greatly missed.
George J Duzane
December 11, 2025
Prayers for all the Families for the loss of Mr. Demos. Wherever I was, if there was a Demos Restaurant in town I always stopped in. Your food was authentic as Yiaya and your mother taught you to make it. The avgolimeno soup “ the Mediterranean Mercury “ is the best. May his memory be Eternal . Godspeed friend !
Sara Hudgens
December 11, 2025
Thank you for all the wonderful memories and delicious food My dad & I enjoyed all the years we got to experience wonderful food & fellowship
Michelle Hornsby
December 11, 2025
Sending my prayers
Misty Dodson
December 10, 2025
I'll remember this day we were outside of school campaigning for MaryEsther Reed.Donna me and Mr Demons were outside for hours together after that day we become friends . When I seen him said hello, and when he seen me, he said hello, he will be missed. Donna and family you all are in my prayers ❤
Cathy Jones
December 10, 2025
To Peter and family, praying for you during this difficult time. It is a blessing to know your loved ones are with the Lord but it is still hard to see them go. God’s peace to all of you.
Bill
December 10, 2025
I will always call you Mr. D out of great respect for you, but considered you a mentor, a father figure more then mine ever was, and a friend. I will cling on to every memory, conversation, and random hangouts. I will miss him so much, but am so happy that he is with the Lord and reunited with Doris. I love you!
Jim
December 10, 2025
My sympathy to all the family and may these special memories in this obit. be a source of hope and comfort to you in the coming years. I never met Mr. Demos as far as in know but I like going to his restaurants. I always heard good things about him; that he was a Christian man with deep faith and care for his fellow man. Good obituary and I praise God for it. Thanks to Jesus for making a way.
Brandy Worman
December 10, 2025
I am so grateful I had the privilege to not only work with Mr. D but to call him my friend. I will miss getting random calls from him asking for the most unusual items. Bill and I enjoyed going on trips with him and Donna.
I love you, BFF and will forever be grateful for the time I had with you!
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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Memorial Events
for Jim Demos
Dec
14
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro
1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Dec
14
Funeral service
2:00 p.m.
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro
1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Dec
14
Burial
Evergreen Cemetery
519 Greenland Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Funeral services provided by:
Woodfin Funeral Chapel - Murfreesboro1488 Lascassas Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130