James Dalsed DeMers

James Dalsed DeMers, of Canby, Oregon, passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 66.
Born on July 6, 1959, in Salt Lake City, Utah, James was the son of Dona Mae and James DeMers, Sr. He spent his early years in Los Angeles, California, before moving to Kelso, Washington, at age 12 with his mother, sister Jolene, and stepfather Donvan DeYarmon. He graduated from Kelso High School in 1977, where he was a proud member of the swim team-a passion he carried throughout his life.
James was a true outdoorsman and athlete. His love for nature and adventure was nurtured by his stepfather, with whom he spent countless days hunting and fishing. These experiences sparked a lifelong enthusiasm for outdoor sports, which he shared with his children and friends. He was an avid cyclist, participating in the 100-mile "Summit to Surf" ride multiple times, and a dedicated bodybuilder, winning the Northwest Natural Bodybuilding competition in 1987.
His career began at Albertson's, where he quickly rose to a management position. After a few years at Albertson's, his adventurous spirit led him to take an eight-week backpacking trip through Idaho's backcountry with his friend Deney Flatz-just one of many remarkable journeys. He climbed almost every Cascade Mountain at least once and found joy in hiking, skiing, and exploring the wilderness.
After his Idaho adventure, James transitioned into wine sales, working for E & J Gallo Wineries for a decade. In 1993, he co-founded a residential construction company with his close friend Jim Duncan. Together, they built a successful business and partnership that lasted 25 years.
That same year, James met Heidi Heick. They married in Moscow, ID in 1994 and built a life full of love and adventure together, raising three wonderful children: Jacqueline, Victoria, and Connor. Their marriage of 31 years was filled with laughter, devotion, and shared passions.
James lived life to the fullest. He found immense joy in his hobbies-hiking, skydiving, skiing, fishing, hunting and cycling with his friends Bob and Bo Stephens, working out, collecting guns, building hatches, and rebuilding cars. But above all, he cherished time with his family. His greatest joy came from being a father and grandfather. His four children and six grandsons were the light of his life.
Most recently, James worked in the hunting department at Fisherman's Sporting Goods in Oregon City, where he enjoyed connecting with customers and colleagues who shared his love for the outdoors.
James is survived by his former wife, Heidi Heick DeMers, children Benjamin Jay Boyd, Jacqueline Amanda DeMers, Victoria Suzanne DeMers, Steven Connor DeMers; grandchildren Carter James Waddle, Tucker David Bankofier, Ryder Jace Bankofier, Lincoln James Boyd, Griffin Blake Boyd, Kienan Connor Boyd; siblings Jolene DeMers, Nicolette Coleman, Dana DeMers; nieces Maia DeMers, Tyler Heick, Ryan Heick, Joey Heick; nephews Sein Finn, Seamus Finn; cousins Charmaine Harsch, Catherine Atnip and Rachel Moody.
James will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his deep love for family and friends, and the way he inspired others to live fully and passionately. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Memorial Services will be held at Hillside Chapel, 1306 7th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045 on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 1 pm.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a memorial fund in James's name at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. https://supporting.afsp.org/campaign/James-DeMers-Memorial-Fund