James P. Damos, who served as Chief of Police for the University City Police Department for 28 years before retiring in 1989, passed away on Saturday, September 10. He was 91 according to his obituary provided by Lupton Chapel.

In a statement to University City Patch, current University City Police Chief Charles Adams extended the department's condolences to Damos family, calling him "a great leader and outstanding police chief for the City of University City."

"His leadership with our department was instrumental in its development and continued progress as a law enforcement organization during his tenure that spread 28 years," said Adams in his statement.

Damos was a pioneer for crime victims' rights. He was one of the original board members of the Missouri Victim Assistance Network (MoVA), when it was established in 1983, according a news release from Governor Jay Nixon's office. Damos also served on the board of the National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA).

In 1981, he was elected President of the International Association of Chief of Police.

Damos leaves behind two sons, Peter J. Damos (Susan) of San Antonio, TX and George J. Damos, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services: Funeral from LUPTON CHAPEL, 7233 Delmar Blvd., on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 9 a.m. to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 4967 Forest Park Blvd., St. Louis for a 10 a.m. service.

Interment St. Matthew Cemetery.

Memorial contributions greatly appreciated to The BackStoppers, Inc., P.O. Box 66927, St. Louis, MO 63166.

The family will receive friends at LUPTON Chapel on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m., with a Trisagion Service being held at 7 p.m.