James Peter "Jimmie" Deoudes

January 7, 1928 – September 16, 2024

On September 16, 2024, James Peter Deoudes "Jimmie" lay down to rest for the last time. His journey of 96 years is now over. Our memories of him now begin.
Born and raised in Washington, DC, Jimmie was the oldest son of Peter and Irene Deoudes. He grew up with his three younger brothers, Mitchell, Nicholas and George, working from a young age in the family produce business. In 1952, he married Demetria Kalonturos and the two of them enjoyed a loving relationship for 65 years. Jimmie and Dee had three children: Renee, Peter and Christopher.
In 1957, understanding that the time had come in his life to take a risk if he were to profit from opportunity, he traveled across country with his wife, mother-in-law, three-year-old daughter and little money, and eventually relocated to Salinas, California in 1958. Leaving family, friends, life as he knew it behind, and with no job lined up, in time he became a trusted, successful and independent produce broker supplying his clients with top-quality vegetables until he retired at the age of eighty-four. An important and treasured aspect of his success was his personal and business relationship with his brother Nick.
Jimmie was one of the richest men his family and friends knew. He was happy with who he was. He felt blessed to have a wonderful family and loyal friends. He thoroughly enjoyed his profession as a produce broker. He was a great heart who knew how much glory there is in being a magnificent husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. If things were going badly, how glad we were to see him come around the corner. He always had a word of encouragement when our confidence was flagging.
At 5'10.5", Jimmie was a reminder that giants come in all shapes and sizes. He had a clear-eyed view of human nature and the human predicament, and the emotional resiliency and ability to cope in the face of adversity. Perhaps these qualities were strengthened by his service in the United States Navy for two years at the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. Then again, though men and women intellectually and emotionally ripen gradually through their lives, in Jimmie's case, his moral nature was born early and fully equipped.
Jimmie's good manners and courtesy were not mere affectations. They were constant reminders to all who knew him to notice that it all matters—that the boorishness, indecency and vulgarity that pollutes so much of our culture could be effectively countered by decency and fairmindedness. He demonstrated that enduring success in the world of business was linked inseparably to the cultivation of an ethical and emotional intelligence; a reasonable and civil tone; a suspicion of abstractions untested by experience; and a personal indifference to power and wealth if it trampled upon the rights of others. Simply put, he was magnanimous in every way.
Greek Orthodox in his beliefs, Jimmie thought that without religion or devotion of some kind, nothing great or good would ever be accomplished. And, because he represented the genial personality and generous instincts of the best in his faith, it was easy for him to build himself into the hearts of all who knew him—from the checkers in his favorite grocery stores, to salespeople at department stores, to the men and women in the businesses he represented in agriculture. Nothing delighted Jimmie more than his fond and loyal friendships.
Jimmie prized a love of the earth and its abundance. For that reason, it was no surprise to his family that he enjoyed gardening, had the greenest of thumbs, with plants both inside and outside his home flourishing. Another great hobby of his was reading on a wide range of subjects.
Jimmie was predeceased by his parents Peter and Irene Deoudes; his wife Demetria; and his brother George. He is survived by his brothers Nick and Mitchell; daughter Renee Kezirian (Richard), sons Pete (Ruthie) and Chris (Toni); four grandchildren, Adrienne Kezirian, Marisa (Kezirian) Rogoff, Zoe Deoudes and Allison Deoudes; and a great-grandson, Riley Rogoff.
The family wishes to thank his exceptional caregivers at Carmelo Park who graciously and tirelessly offered comfort and compassion. Mission Mortuary in Monterey, California assisted with the burial arrangements.
There will be a private family celebration of Jimmie's life. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in his memory to the donor's favorite charity.
Our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and best friend lived out his life with courage, determination, joy and purpose. It is now his family's turn to struggle, rise above our limitations and emulate Jimmie's great example.
Good night sweet prince/And flights of Angels/Sing thee to thy rest! (Shakespeare)