Demosthenes "Jim" Efthemiou

Demosthenes "Jim" Efthemiou
Age 98, Born March 6, 1926 - Gone to Heaven May 30, 2024
Beloved husband of the late Betty Keating. Loving father to Kathryn (Gerald) Dekker, Nancy and Janet. Proud grandfather of the late James, Gerald (Megan) Dekker, Daniel (Nicole) Dekker, Timothy (Jami) Dekker, Emily (Cody) Schenk. Loving great-grandfather of Brent, Alex, Violet, Delilah, Sophia, Josie, Rylie, Isabelle, Gerald "Cayden" and Callum. Dear brother of Raymond (the late Liz) and the late Dorothy (Robert) Ewald. Beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Visitation Friday, June 7th from 3-9 at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc.
36900 Schoenherr at Metro Pkwy (16 mile Rd) Sterling Heights
Memorial Mass Saturday 10am at St Jane Frances De Chantal, 38750 Ryan Rd, S of 17 Mile, Sterling Hts.
In lieu of flowers, please forward any donation to the Wounded Warrior Project
Please share memories with the family at their "Online Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com
Jim was born in Detroit, MI to George Efthemiou, a 1st generation immigrant from Thessaloniki, Greece and Dora (Kielbasa) Efthemiou, a 2nd generation immigrant from Poland who was raised on a farm in the town of Goetsville in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Being the oldest of 3 children, Jim spent the school year in their home in Detroit and the whole summer was spent on the farm in Goetzville where he helped with chores and played for hours with siblings, cousins and friends.
He graduated from Cass Tech High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted into the Army. The Army sent him to college first to University of Wisconsin and after that first semester he was called up and sent to boot camp. He was then deployed to Italy near the Po Valley Campaign. Shortly after getting there the war ended in Europe and he was sent home to await orders. The war then ended in the pacific, thankfully never seeing combat, they sent him to California to finish out his tour of duty with the job of checking in troops coming back from Japan.
Now back in Michigan he returned to college with a year each at MSU and U of M while working odd jobs and studying. During this time, at the age of 21, his father passed away. He met his future wife, Betty Keating, while working at Giffels Architectural Firm in the mid 1950's.
Jim & Betty were married April 4, 1959 and started their family in 1960. He graduated from Lawrence Institute of Technology in 1961 with an Engineering degree in Architecture and moved to Warren in 1962. He worked for 26 years at Cunningham-Limp then became a contract worker for his brother's firm O.E.M.. where he commuted to Flint working on Buick buildings for 4 years and downtown at GM Argonaut. He then retired in his 70's.
Dad was the most lovable, helpful guy around. He was always there to lend a hand whether you asked for it or not, always making time for others, he was there for you. It took him an hour or more to leave a party because he didn't want to miss saying goodbye to anyone.
Jim had some unusual hobbies. He thoroughly enjoyed cleaning and yard work. If you parked your car in front of the house he would wash and detail it before you got back. He loved going to State and County fairs seeing all the animals, especially the horses and horse events, and sharing that with family and friends. He loved going up to the family farm in Goetzville even after all the animals and most of the family and friends were gone. He enjoyed the peace and beauty of that place and all the memories there well into his 90's. He enjoyed traveling around Michigan along with Kentucky, North Carolina, New York, Florida and the east coast.
Becoming a grandpa for the first time in 1984, he adored his 5 grandchildren. He loved and was present in every aspect of their lives - their sports, school, hopes & dreams both present and future. As Papa (great-grandpa) he continued this love with his 10 great-grandkids.
Dad was a devout Christian and faithful member of the Catholic church. He practiced his faith daily in words and deeds. With loved ones nearby, Jim went peacefully, in his sleep, to be with the Lord.