Demers Family Genealogy & History

Jacques Demers, born on August 25, 1944, is a renowned former Canadian Senator, broadcaster, and professional ice hockey coach. He achieved significant career milestones, including coaching in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and the National Hockey League (NHL) with teams like the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings. Demers received the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in consecutive years (1987, 1988) and led the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup victory in 1993. Notably, he was instrumental in developing young talents such as Vincent Lecavalier and served as a Senator from 2009 to 2019, raising awareness about literacy issues due to his own struggles with illiteracy.

Jason Demers is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman known for his career in the NHL, notably with teams like the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Arizona Coyotes. Drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Sharks, he has played over 700 NHL games. His career highlights include a five-year, $22.5 million contract with the Panthers and international play for Team Canada at the 2017 World Championships and the 2022 Winter Olympics. Recently, he played for the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL under contract with the Edmonton Oilers, marking his 700th NHL game on April 8, 2023.

Born in Dorval, Quebec, Jason Demers is the son of Guylaine and Darrell Demers. In the 2010s, he discovered his Jewish ancestry on his father's side, which added a new dimension to his family's history. This revelation connected him to a broader cultural heritage beyond his known Canadian roots.

John Charles Demers is an Italian-born American lawyer noted for his tenure as United States Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division from 2018 to 2021. Appointed by President Donald Trump, Demers played a pivotal role in national security, including leading the China Initiative and overseeing counterespionage operations. He briefly served as acting U.S. Attorney General in January 2021. Demers has also held significant roles at Boeing, including vice president and general counsel for international defense. His legal career is marked by contributions to U.S. surveillance law and collaborations with the Office of Legal Counsel and the Supreme Court.

Demers was born in Gubbio, Italy, to parents Pina and Frank Demers, who were part of a family of teachers. He pursued higher education in political science and Italian studies, later earning a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

Dominique Demers, a celebrated French-Canadian novelist, was born on November 23, 1956. Best known for her Mlle Charlotte series, Demers is a notable figure in children's literature, holding a PhD in the field. Her work as a journalist for L'actualité, Châtelaine, and Le Devoir earned her the Judith-Jasmin Award in 1987. Her novels, such as Marie-Tempête, have been adapted into films, showcasing her influence in both literary and cinematic domains. Residing in Montreal, Demers has also been awarded the Order of Canada and has been a multiple-time nominee for the Governor General's Award.

Demers' family life includes three children: Simon, Alexis, and Marie, who inspired the first of her "Alexis" series of children's novels.