SPRINGFIELD – James R. "Jimmy" Demers, Sr., 89, of The Wellington in Springfield, was Called Safely Home on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2022. He passed into Eternal Life at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born at home on Ferry Street in Chicopee on October 1, 1933, a beloved son of the late Wilfred C. Demers and Dorothy C. (Ceyler) Masse Demers. He was raised in Chicopee, graduated from Chicopee High School and lived in Chicopee for many years before moving to The Wellington in Springfield in May of 2022. He served his country in the Air National Guard and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a member of the Mercy Life PACE Program in Springfield. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Diane L. (Gravel) Demers. They were married on January 28, 1977 in Springfield and were blessed with over 45 years together. He also leaves his four loving children, Anne T. Robinson and her husband, Zaki, Karen Butler, James Demers, Jr. and Lynn Demers; his six cherished grandchildren, Michael and Makayla of whom he was a parental figure to and Pamela, Jill, Christopher and Jeffrey; his two dear sisters, Donna and her husband, Philip, and Debbie; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended family members. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved son, Wilfred C. "Wil" Demers who was Called Home on May 9, 1996; his dear son in law, Bud Butler; and his dear brother, Peter Demers. His funeral services will be private. His funeral arrangements are entrusted to the St. Pierre-Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made in Jimmy's memory to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 565 Ashford Center Road, Ashford, CT 06278. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com