Jan Keith Fiakas

Jan Keith Fiakas passed away on January 31, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by creativity, connection, and joy. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jan moved with his family to Phoenix in 1958, where he would spend the next 67 years building a life rich in friendships, passions, and purpose.

Jan attended John F. Long Grade School, graduated from Maryvale High School, and continued his education at Glendale Community College and Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Communication.

Jan’s career spanned the grocery and beverage industries, but he was best known for his many years as a Director of Special Events in Arizona, where his imagination, enthusiasm, and attention to detail were on full display. To many, Jan was affectionately known as the “Director of Fun,” a title he earned through his ability to turn any gathering into a memorable experience.

Jan had a rare gift for bringing people together. He fostered lifelong friendships—and new ones—because he “always sat at the bar.” He loved road trips, often entertaining his Facebook friends with mileage contests, and he proudly spearheaded and mentored Maryvale High School reunions. Music was a constant companion in his life, and in his later years, Jan fulfilled a lifelong dream by writing and publishing his poignant prose and heartfelt poetry, giving voice to his reflections, humor, and deep sensitivity.

The Fiakas family legacy is permanently imprinted on the Phoenix landscape through the work of Jan’s father, James G. Fiakas, whose architectural career included façade designs for the Arizona Legislative buildings, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 2 (demolished in 2021), and the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, among many others.

Jan is survived by his significant other, Kathy Fiakas; his sister, Pamela Fiakas; his brother, Bruce Fiakas; his brother-in-law, Lanny Fahs; and his niece, Adrienne Fiakas.

We will miss Jan’s passion, compassion, creativity, humor, curiosity, and most of all, his love and his presence. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, Jan supported PBS, but he always derived his greatest satisfaction paying it forward to those he was with and those who were less fortunate. Jan would want you to honor him by paying it forward to an organization you are passionate about.

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