At the young age of 84, Jimmy Frank Demeris left this earth on December 3, 2021, for a more peaceful place. Born in Falanthi, Greece, Jimmy and his mother came to America to be with their family who had preceded them. Although Jimmy was only 11 years old at the time, he began his love for serving others by helping at the family restaurants. He treasured his roots, but cherished the country that became his home.
Born on July 15, 1937, Jimmy was the youngest child of Angeliki and Frank Anastasios Demeris. Jimmy graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School and the University of Houston with a degree in accounting. Upon graduation, Jimmy joined his family in the restaurant business. From Shipley’s Diner to Demeris Barbecue, Jimmy spent the rest of his life feeding others. Regular customers loved to order tea just to hear him bellow, “Iced tea!” Jimmy marks the end of an era for he was the remaining sibling of the original four entrepreneurs.
In 1963, Jimmy married Lynnette Guerra. They raised their four daughters in the Memorial area and made lifelong friends. When the grandchildren came along, he embarked on the greatest adventure as their Papou. He loved watching them grow up and taking his girls and their children to Greece in the summers.
His legacy lives on with his children; Dawn Arbuckle, Angela Demeris, Stephanie and Doug Hodges, and Georgia and Dane Stewart. Forever known as Papou by Amy and Marcus Lalumandier, their son Jase, Christopher and Nicole Arbuckle, Jimmy and Annie Hodges, and Cannon and Cole Stewart. His sisters-in-law Maria and Eleni Demeris, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren, also survive him. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Gus, Georgia, and Nick, and his brother-in-law George Vlahakos.
When not with his family, Jimmy could often be found at a poker table, The Racquet Club, or at Demeris Barbecue. He continued to visit the restaurant each day up until last month.
Jimmy enjoyed life to the fullest, and we will celebrate him at a visitation on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3511 Yoakum Blvd., with Trisagion prayers. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11:30 a.m. with Father Michael J. Lambakis officiating. A private burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Drive. All are invited to join the family for a Makaria Luncheon at the S.P. Martel Hall adjacent to the cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Houston Food Bank, https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/donate .
