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John Demory Obituary
Bill was born and raised in Indianola, Iowa. Later, he moved to Arizona with his family and attended Cortez High School. He was the three-year starting quarterback for the University of Arizona from 1970 - 1973. He spent the next two years with the New York Jets. As a rookie, he was the starting QB for three games, two of which they won. Prior to Nick Foles entering the NFL, Bill was the last of only three UofA quarterbacks to start an NFL game, following in the footsteps of Eddie Wilson and Fred Enke.
Beginning in 1999, Bill was a full-time economics instructor at Arizona Western College and then Central Arizona College, retiring in 2016. He continued as an adjunct instructor at Mesa Community College from 1998 to 2024. Prior to his teaching career, he spent 16 years as an account executive for Haggar Apparel Company.
Bill held a B.S. in Public Administration from Arizona, an MBA from Iowa, and an M.A. in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators from Delaware.
He was a member of WELS Lutheran churches for 25 years. He served in various council positions, including President, Vice-President, and Recording Secretary. He also served as an Advisory Board member for the Salvation Army in Sterling, IL and Casa Grande, AZ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Pauline Demory, and one older brother Steve Demory.
A memorial service and luncheon will be held at Paradise Valley Lutheran Church, 14845 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ on March 1, at 10:30 a.m.
Memorials can be made to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at https://www.classy.org/give/312896/#!/donation/checkout. or to the Paradise Valley Lutheran Church - Capital Improvement Fund at https://www.pvlutheran.org/page/online-giving.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Demory
Marlon Medina
August 15, 2025
I remember Bill coming to our football practices after he had graduated from Cortez. He was always a cool dude. RIP Bill.
MICHAEL ANDERSON CLASS OF '67.
April 25, 2025
Bill was one of the nicest guys on campus and a pleasure to be a teammate on the Cortez Football Team! We were all so proud of him when he made the JETS! GOD BLESS HIS SOUL!
David E Beck
April 20, 2025
I always looked up to Bill as a cousin. I went to Pittsburgh to watch the game he started against Terry Bradshaw and the Steelers. May God bless him in heaven.
Glenn Cox
March 15, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Caryn McComas
February 23, 2025
Barb and family, I am so saddened by the news of Bill´s passing. Bill and I were pickleball partners at Mission Royale. It was a pleasure to play with such a kind man. I often think of the tournaments that Bill and I played in together. I missed he and Barb when they moved away from Mission Royale in Casa Grande. My heart goes out to all of you. Caryn McComas
John Neulieb
February 20, 2025
I knew of Bill Demory through his football exploits at Cortez high school but I actually met him when he was a professor at Arizona Western College where I worked. I believe it was in the late 90s. Bill was a real gentleman and very easy to talk to. A very humble and kind man who certainly led a very full life. When he moved over to Central Arizona College he always made a point to say hello when AWC was playing them in basketball. RIP and Godspeed Bill
Sherri (Sheylyn Jaymes)Bowman
February 20, 2025
Bill was a class ahead of me in high school. We knew each other as schoolmates and that was going way back. He was an outstanding athlete and a really nice guy. We're proud that he, as one of our own, made it to the NFL field. I am sad for his passing. There will be an empty classroom chair on the Cortez campus now but our memories of Bill and those high school times will be everlasting. Rest In Peace Bill. You will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
Mike Blake
February 20, 2025
Condolences for your loss. I grew up with Johnny Bill in Indianola. We played sports constantly, oneto the next. Stayed in touch through our high school years (leters) Lots of fond memories.
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