John David (J.D.) Demarest, age 69, beloved husband of Marguerite (Peggy) Villere Demarest, died peacefully on Sunday, August 4, 2019, after many years of living with Alzheimer's disease. He was a native of New Orleans with an unwavering love for his city, Mardi Gras and the Saints. J.D. attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School in Metairie where his classmates and neighbors became life-long friends. He graduated from Jesuit High School and Loyola University. After a number of years in public accounting as a CPA, he became chief financial officer of Production Management and then Southern Holdings and the Woodvine Group. J.D. was a tireless volunteer in numerous civic and religious organizations, serving as president of the West Bank Chamber of Commerce, the Fontainebleau Improvement Association, the Board of Trustees of St. George's Episcopal School, and the parish council of St. Thomas More Catholic Center at Tulane University. After retirement, he volunteered at Ochsner Medical Center and Second Harvest Food Bank. He was a wonderful father to his children: Elizabeth Shortino (Mike), John David Demarest, Jr. (Virginia), and Marguerite "Mimi" Sandow (Tyler); and grandfather to his grandchildren: Jack, Alex and Julia Shortino, and Luke and James Sandow. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert Aloysius and Katherine Quealy Demarest; his brother and sister-in-law, J. Paul and Joan Demarest; sister-in-law, Carter Demarest; his nephew, Paul G. Demarest; and his step-brother Jack Demarest. He is survived by his brothers Albert Demarest, Jr. (Mary), Ken Demarest (Angela), and step-sister-in-law Janice Demarest. He is also survived by brother-in-law Andre Villere, Jr. (Toots) and sister-in-law Mickie Villere Gomila (John) and many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. J.D. never met a stranger, never paid retail, howled at all of his own jokes, and was dearly loved by everyone who came to know him. A Mass celebrating his life will take place on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 12 noon at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, the Alzheimer's Foundation or a charity of your choice. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Aug. 6 to Aug. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for John Demarest

Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.

11 Entries

August 19, 2019

Peggy, Dick and I were out of town and just heard the news of J.D. s passing. He was always a wonderful, fun loving man that I was blessed to call friend. We are praying for you and your whole family! Love Dee and Dick Chopin

Stephen Johns

Sent Flowers

Jason Berry

August 9, 2019

Dear Peggy,
I send my deepest condolences, and regret on being unable to
attend the funeral. We are out of town. J.D. was a good friend at
Jesuit and I enjoyed the many conversations we had as neighbors over the years, bumping into him on evening walks along Fontainebleau Dr and at Robert's grocery store. He was a fine man, affable and ever-smiling. I know how hard the later years were, as my father had Alzheimer's. You and the family and JD are in my
prayers, best always Jason

Pat Morris

August 7, 2019

I knew J.D at Loyola as a member of ADG. We also worked together as laborers during the summer at Pipe Line Services on the Harvey Canal.
I had not seen him in a while until a few years ago at The Bridges Golf Course in Bay St. Louis.
I always considered him a good guy and very smart.
I am sorry for your loss.

Lauren Lindsay

August 7, 2019

Peggy, I am so sorry to hear about JD and sending you love at this difficult time. I am so happy to have known him and I have no doubt he fought until the end.
If I can do anything for you at this time, please let me know.
Fondly,
Lauren

Eric Holsten

August 7, 2019

I was so sorry to hear of JD's passing. JD and I were good friends at Jesuit High School, double-dating to most every prom and dance during our Junior and Senior years and even running a little track together. I can say without hesitation that JD was the most approachable, and genuinely giving person I knew during those years. He gave the best part of himself to every single friend. I cannot think of single moment during those years when his presence did not uplift me and give me support. JD was truly a "man for others" in the Jesuit tradition. His passing gives me no small regret that in the years since high school we saw each other only a handful of times. My sincere condolences to all of you.

Success in obtaining Sean Payton's Signature

Margaret Vigier

August 7, 2019

JD Having Saints Cap Signed

Margaret Vigier

August 7, 2019

Peggy, Elizabeth, David, and Mimi, I'm so sorry to hear about JD's passing. He was wonderful to work beside. He had great pride in his family, love for his wife, golf and anything New Orleans. He had tremendous faith in God and the Saints. He and Tom Benson will be watching over the team this year so it will surely be a Super Bowl season. I'll never forget the day we saw Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis golfing at MCC behind our office. JD hurried downstairs, called to them and got Sean Payton to come to the fence and sign his Saints cap. My prayers and love go out to you all.

August 7, 2019

Peggy so sorry to hear of J.D.'s
passing. Thoughts and prayers for you
and your family.

Fran Simmonds
Southern Recycling