James (Jim) Kastanis, beloved husband, father, Papou, great Papou, brother and friend peacefully passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the age of 93. Jim was a true warrior and fighter, surviving multiple potentially life ending illnesses. He truly used his nine lives to their fullest extent.
Jim was born on January 27, 1931 in Bingham Canyon, Utah to Isidoros and Andromachi Saltas Kastanis. He grew up in West Jordan, UT attending Jordan High School and went on to a earn a degree in business finance from the University of Utah.
He served as a radar technician for the US Air Force during the Korean War. He later worked for Dunn and Bradstreet and Travelers Insurance before starting his own insurance agency which he had until his retirement in 1996. In retirement he enjoyed working part time at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Jim was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Community of Salt Lake City serving as President and a member of the Parish Council. He was a member of the church choir, serving as President and President of the Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Choirs of the Western States.
He was chairman of the annual Salt Lake Greek Festival during its third and fourth years helping to establish it as the annual event that it is today. Jim was a founding member of the Hellenic Cultural Association and served as president for several years. He was also a founding member of the Holladay City Interfaith council, serving as chairman for 16 years.
Jim loved hunting fishing and camping, and eventually built a cabin at Flaming Gorge that he enjoyed with family and friends. He taught a multitude of people how to snow ski, waterski, and operate a boat. In the winter months he enjoyed golfing in St. George along with the warm weather.
He was an avid University of Utah football fan and an original member of FEHPA (Fire Engine Historical Preservation Association), the red fire truck in the Guardsman’s Way tailgate lot.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Lucille Cozakos Kastanis, brother Terry Kastanis, daughters Andrea (Cliff) Orton, and Alicia (Tony) Mares, and son David Kastanis. Grandchildren Emalie Orton, Sarah (Austin) Levetan, Arianna (Riley) Drage, Anthony (Samantha) Mares, Alexandra (Lexi) Kastanis and Lauren Kastanis. Great grandchildren Watson, Myles and Wrenlee Mares.
Viewing: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 6-8 pm. Trisagion at 7:30pm. Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 So. Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, UT.
Funeral: Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 11am, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 So. 300 W. Salt Lake City, UT.
Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 3401 So. Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, UT.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hellenic Cultural Association, or Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Well done, good and faithful servant! Kalo paradiso. May his memory be eternal.
