James R Demmy's Obituary
James Robert Demmy was born May 25, 1947 in Ephrata, PA. He served in the US Army, in military intelligence (1968-1971) during the Vietnam War. He attended the Indiana University of Pennsylvania at Punxsutawney campus (where he met his future wife, Ronalda Buff) and transferred to the University of Pittsburgh to finish his studies to become a Pharmacist. He began his career at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh then moved to Somerset Hospital also in Pennsylvania. Jim & Ronnie were married in 1973 and welcomed the birth of their son, Jeff, in July of 1974.
Jim and his family took an extended vacation during the summer of 1984 to St. Pete where he took his Florida boards and learned weeks later that he passed with flying colors enabling him to practice Pharmacy in Florida. After a return trip of one week’s duration, Jim had several job offers, put a contract on a house and had school arranged for his son. The Demmys moved to Florida in 1984 where he began work at Clearwater Community Hospital until they closed. He then transferred to Northside Hospital and served as Director of Pharmacy for many years. When he semi-retired from Northside, Jim continued to work for HCA Supply Chain in Largo and then remotely from his home.
Jim loved to golf, spending many hours at Mangrove Golf Course, where he eventually took up rangering on Saturdays. He was a Masters Tournament ticket holder for 20 years. In addition to golf, he was a huge hockey fan and used to coach his son’s team in Somerset back in the 70s & 80s. He roller-bladed to stay in shape, even to work and back.
He followed his wife’s love for dogs – owning 7 Shelties over the years.
Jim will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends including son Jeff and partner Maggie Partridge; sister Jane and husband Don Lesher; niece Suzanne Shirk and husband Jimmy Frazier; nephew Steven Shirk; great niece Kayla; cousin Tom Hernley and wife Louise; cousin Sue Hernley; The Fitzgerald Family; The Bartley Family; The Palmer/Stevenson Family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made to: The First Tee of St. Petersburg, 3790 22nd Ave/S. St. Petersburg, FL 33711 or www.thefirstteestpetersburg.org
Please check back at this website for details on the memorial service to be held at a future date.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?