DeMoss, John C. age 96, of Edina, Minnesota passed away on January 14, 2021. Born in Minot, ND John was pre- ceded in death by his wife, Mary A. DeMoss; his parents, Chrysanthe and Christ DeMoss; sisters, Harriet (Hanson), Doris (Blake); and brother, Jim DeMoss. Survived by his daughters, Christine (Peter) Moe, Dr. Catherine DeMoss, Diane (Jon) Powers, Joanne (David) LaValle; six grandchildren, John and William Moe, Joseph and Ann Powers, Madeline and Emily LaValle; brothers, Dr. Bill C. DeMoss, Charles C. DeMoss, Michael C. (Maureen) DeMoss; sisters-in-law, Sophia Pathos and Ann Pathos; nephews, John Blake, Dr. Christopher DeMoss, John (Marjorie) DeMoss, Jim (Sally) Pathos, Peter (Ashley) Pathos, and Nick (Shelli) Pathos; nieces, Katherine Scattergood, Dr. Elizabeth Blake, Evan (Jim) Hermodson, Jane (Graham) Woodall; cousins, Dimitrios G., Eleftherios G., and Dimitrios K. Katafygiotis; and the whole Katafygiotis family of Greece; and many great- nieces and nephews; 21 Godchildren; and many wonderful friends and colleagues. John was incredibly devoted to his wife, Mary, who passed away in 2016 after 52 years of marriage. They had a wonderful love story. Devoted husband, father, and grandfather (Papou), he will be dearly missed by so many. John moved with his family to Minneapolis when he was 13, and resided there until he settled in Edina in 1965 where he and Mary raised their four daughters. John's family was involved in founding the Greek Orthodox Church in Minot, ND. He was a faithful member of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church for over 83 years where he served as legal counsel and was instrumental in establishing the current location overlooking Lake Calhoun. Growing up, John was a Boy Scout, attaining the level of Eagle Scout. He worked long hours in the family dry cleaning business and graduated Salutatorian of his Minneapolis West High School Class of 1942 prior to being drafted into the US Army during World War II. John served in France as part of a mortar crew in the 66th Infantry (Black Panther Division). He proudly served his country, and upon his Honorable Discharge, John returned to help with the family's Star Valet Dry Cleaners in Minneapolis while getting his education at the University of Minnesota on the GI Bill. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1949. John began his 70+ year general law practice in Minneapolis, where throughout his career he helped many, many people. He was licensed to practice law in both Minnesota and California. John was a champion of and advocate for the underprivileged and the underdog, working many cases pro bono. He was especially dedicated to helping his fellow Greek Americans and Orthodox Christians, as he spoke Greek fluently. A proud member of the American Legion, VFW, and AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association), he chaired the 1969 National AHEPA Convention in Minneapolis. John was a member of Lake Harriet Masonic Lodge No. 277, The Scottish Rite, and the Shriners, having held various offices and leadership positions. He was actively involved in the lives and activities of his children and grandchildren, never missing a performance. John was a born leader, mentor, and was a founding member of what is now the Texas A&M Law School. He lived a life of service to others, was generous with his time and talent, and always wanted to help people near and far. John was always a beloved leader to his entire family, and an active member of the community. John traveled throughout the United States and Europe as a young man and, wanting to share in the experience, he regularly took his whole family to Europe. He took the family to Asia for the first time at the age of 95, enjoying every moment with his family and experiencing travel through the eyes of his grandchildren. The epitome of strength and self-reliance, he was living vibrantly and independently to his last day. His devotion and love for his family was always his shining light. As we look back, with incredible pride, we see the immense impact he made on the world and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. A PRIVATE funeral service will be held at 11:00am Wednesday January 27th at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church. His family invites you to view the services live-streamed at facebook.com/… or youtu.be/… Private Interment with Military Honors immediately following the funeral at Lakewood Cemetery. To view the graveside service via livestream go to washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/John-DeMoss/ and click on John DeMoss Obituary- Select Photos/Videos. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on January 24, 2021