John Diamantakos

John Diamantakos passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2016. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 20, 1921. John was a graduate of Phillips High School and Tennessee Technological University. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Eleni (Mourtzikos) Diamantakos, his brother Jimmie Diamond and sisters Lilie Diamantakos and Mary Diamantakos. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Ellard of Birmingham, Alabama; niece, Maria Ellard White (Terry) of Birmingham, Alabama; grand-nephew, Jonathon Casey White of Dallas, Texas; nephew, George Lee Diamond (Leslie) of Dallas, Texas; and grand-nephews James Austin and William George. John was a life-long member of his beloved Greek Orthodox Cathedral where he served his church as a worker with parish councils, GOYA and Men’s & Women’s athletics, food festivals and church greeter. His dedicated church attendance was a great example and inspiration to others. Service minded, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, served in the community as an educator and teacher of high school athletics and classes; He was a member of AHEPA for over 60 years and was an officer and leader at the local, district and national levels. He established and organized the annual reunion for his beloved WWII 60th Troop Carrier Group for over 25 years and eventually included groups from other Carrier Groups. He retired from the Jefferson County School System with over 30 years service, winning numerous basketball championships. John loved people, never met a stranger, had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed life. His family would like to thank his loving caregiver, Debra Brown and Compassus Hospice. Visitation will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral on February 21, 2016 from 5:30pm to 7pm followed by the Trisagion Prayer Service. Funeral service will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral February 22, 2016 at 10:30am. The internment service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Father Paul Costopoulos will officiate. John’s family request that you consider making donations to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.