With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of M.W. James N. DeMoss, 33°, Past Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska, on Saturday, June 25, 2016 due to complications from COPD and Alzheimer's Disease. He had been under hospice care at home until his final two days at Holmes Lake Manor. He was 85 years old.

James was born July 23, 1930 in Pontiac, Illinois. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 6, 1951, retiring on July 31, 1971 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was Vice President of Omaha State Bank.

James was raised at Centennial Lodge #326 on October 27, 1964 in Omaha, Nebraska. He became a 32° Scottish Rite Masons in April, 1966. He was invested with the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1973, and coroneted a 33° Inspector General Honorary on December 9, 1977 by Herbert A. Ronin, SGIG in Nebraska. James DeMoss served as Wise Master of the Chapter of Rose Croix for the Valley of Omaha in 1977.

Additionally, James was Associate Guardian of Job's Daughters Bethel #68 in Bellevue from June, 1971 through June, 1975, and Associate Grand Guardian from 1975-1976. He was Worthy Patron of Alpha Chapter #325 OES in 1973, Worthy Grand Patron, OES, from May 1977-May, 1978. He was a Rainbow Dad at Athena Assembly #24 in Bellevue, and served as Nebraska Membership Director of the Order of DeMolay, beginning in 1979.

James served as the 135th Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska from February 10, 1991 through February 8, 1992. During his tenure, the Nebraska Masonic Foundation received permanent exempt status from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Butherus Maser and Love funeral home, 4040 A St in Lincoln. Friends and family are asked to gather at 1:00 p.m.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.