John S James' Obituary
John S. James, 80, Beloved husband of Theresa (nee Kusnerik); loving father of Renee (Nick) Steffas, Andrea (Steve) Jaras, Barbara (Ron) Timms, Christine (Michael) Niedzwiecki; loving grandfather of Louis Timms, Stephanie (Alex) Kemna, Brian Timms, Michael Timms, Paul Steffas, Karissa Steffas, Justin, Hailey, Jonathan, & Jacob Niedzwiecki; great grandfather of Arianna, Evander and Alyssa Timms, Braydon Niedzwiecki, and Niko Kemna. Brother of Conda Tetkowski.
John, “J.J.”, was loved and will be missed by many. His parents Andrew & Frances (Cappas) emigrated from Kos, Greece, and settled in Cleveland. He was a graduate of West Tech High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Theresa, 59 years ago. John was a very active member of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church. His faith was the center of his life and it showed by his actions and deeds. He served on Parish council, youth advisor and coach, and was a long-time chairman of the annual Greek Festival. He was the recipient of the St. Paul medal; the highest honor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.
He had a 45-year career in the automobile business and made many friends along the way.
He was also a charter member of the Order of AHEPA Chapter #480, and has held every office in the chapter in the past 42 years. He was District Governor, attended numerous National & District Conventions. John was honored with Cleisthenes Award: a lifetime achievement award.
John was a very avid Cleveland sports fan and that enthusiasm was handed down to his family. He was a long time Cavs season ticket holder and attended many different sporting events. His favorite became his grandchildren’s sporting events. He attended as many as possible, even if it meant traveling out of state. He loved to Cruise and his family was fortunate enough to share in that love of travel. John’s legacy will be his love of his church, family, friends and heritage. We will honor him in the way he deserves when it is safe for large crowds to gather.
Private Funeral Services at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church; with A Celebration of Life at a later date. Interment at St. Theodosius Cemetery. Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church: 4548 Wallings Rd, N. Royalton, OH 44133 or AHEPA #480 Scholarship Foundation: 10291 Wildflower Way, Broadview Hts., OH 44147.
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