Nick was larger than life, funnier than any comedian, generous beyond measurement, with a heart big enough to share with so many. These are just a few words that describe Nick Demas. Nick entered this world on March 4, 1947 and passed away on Saturday, June 29th. Nick was born in Washington, DC to Gust and Effie Demas. The family then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Nick went to Highland High School where he played basketball and worked with his dad at Gust Demas Auto Sales. After high school he moved to Anaheim, California where he worked at Disneyland and attended Santa Ana Community College. In typical Nick “can’t stay in one spot too long” fashion, he fled to Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. Finally settling in Phoenix, Nick and his Dad owned and operated Demas Volkswagon until Nick opened Jalopy Jungle. This is when Nick began his career as “the walking man’s friend” operating his successful used car operation in central Phoenix for over 33 years. Some of Nick’s honorable mentions include “the famous three hour tour”, co-founder of the Arcadia Rotary Club where he had perfect attendance and was the self-proclaimed expert of the back roads of the metro Phoenix area. Nick was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his children Christie Demas Crossley, her husband (Nick’s favorite son in law!) Erik and his much loved son Nikko Demas. Nick lived just long enough to welcome his treasured only grandchild into our world, Sutton Ryan Crossley born April 22, 2013. His sisters Tina Demas, Eleni Failoni and her husband Kevin, his nephew Fred Demas, his children Addison and Colin and his wife Kim Demas. HIs niece Polly Treadway, her two children Grace and Emily and her husband Mike Maloich. Nick’s family included so many friends that cherished his larger than life and gracious spirit. Nick was a father figure to many, a brother to others, a source of strength and support to many more. He will be greatly missed! There will be an open house at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home from Noon to 3pm on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 with a Celebration of Life to follow at Eli’s American Grill from 4 to 7pm.
Daniel De La Chica
I met Nick a few years ago through Jalopy Jungle. As a matter of fact, I printed his business cards. On one occasion, after being involved in a car accident, I saw a 72 Ford Ranchero on his lot. I stopped in and kiddingly as Nick if he was going to sell me the car on credit. He took out a pencil and said he is how it’s going to work. I still have the car. Every time I would stop by for a visit, he would always ask me how the car was running. I have bought a few cars from Nick, and he would always tell me which cars would be the best for me. I always considered Nick a friend. He was a very nice guy with always a smile on his face. I was shocked to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family. I will always remember Nick.
Robert J. Hartmann
My condolences to Nick and his family. I am a lawyer who worked with Nick many years ago. I have an original Will in my possession that Nick signed August 4, 1986. I have not heard from Nick for many years and assume he may have signed a more current document. However, if the Will is needed, please contact me.
John Warsaw
I was so saddened to see that Nick had passed on to a hopefully better place. He certainly will make it a better place from his presence. I had not spoken with Nick since we left CSC in 1970. Nick was a college buddy and we spent a lot of time together with Jay Moore, Brian “Willie” Davis and several others who like Nick, had made their way to Canton Mo. Some came to play basketball for Bill Trumbo, who was from California. Nick was so great, so funny, a sweet guy! He spent many evenings at our apartment, off campus, and I will never forget his smile and his friendship. Over 40 years ago, but Nick will always be remembered vividly by those he made smile, such as me! My best to all of the family. Johnny Warsaw, 1970
Michael Tidd
Nick, Christie, and the Demas Family:
I am in shock as I read online last night
on Eli’s web page of Nick’s passing .. I feel so bad that I had kinda lost touch and had not kept in contact with him and Debo as much
as much as I should have. We had a ball getting together when we both had lived in San Diego. In fact, I had lived at 3405 Ocean Front Walk #3 for over a year when I hear from the realtor that ” a guy from Phoenix wants to take a look at it .. I wanted more quiet and move to the Bayside .. Much like Nick did the following year. We spent a lot of time together from that point point on, whether it was getting together at Ruth’s, Saska’s, bbq at home, or out on the boat.
I have met many individuals in my life, but n one made an impression on me as Ni ck .. He was the most genuine, caring individual, .. No one enjoyed life as much as Nick .. And boy did he love you kids .. and I know Sutton was the apple of his eye! Selfishly, I miss him
. the world was a better place with him in it. God got a good one .. I wonder if Dreamland delivers to …???. I live in LA now. I will look you up next time I am in town