Jim Maroudas

Jim George Maroudas
September 25,1932 – April 13, 2024

“May His Memory Be Eternal”
Our beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 13,2024.
He was born September 25, 1932 in Geraki, Greece to parents George Dimitrios and Margarita Yiannis Maroudas.
From a young age he was sent to Sparta and then Athens to work and live with family. At 17 years old he immigrated by boat to America settling in Chicago, Illinois. He met his future bride, Athena Arkoudas of Salt Lake City, Utah at his sister’s wedding. They were married in February 1954.
As he settled in Salt Lake City, he found employment at Ajax Presses. Where through hard work and receiving a high school diploma from Granite High Night School he became Plant Supervisor. Employees young and old, all nationalities respected and admired his work ethic.
As a faithful Orthodox Christian, faith and heritage was very important to him. Attending church services at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and participating in the Greek cultural activities, he also helped raise funds for the construction of Prophet Elias .
After his wife Athena passed in 1969, he felt that leaving his children motherless was not an option. By God’s Will, he met Maria Kladis in Phoenix, Arizona and married 1970. For the next 45 years they worked together, loved and enjoyed life.
In 1976, he ventured into opening Grecian Garden Restaurant in Murray. Known to many as “Jimmy the Greek”, he was fond of Greek music and dancing. Patrons would express their joy in seeing his enthusiasm in making sure all patrons were satisfied with meals and the live entertainment that was offered.
Jim, also known as Papou, lived for his grandchildren. He enjoyed showing them the ropes of running a restaurant. Then he would venture on playing soccer with them. By the time they were older he introduced the Greek card game Kolitsina (which he cheated at constantly). In 2007 the doors of Grecian closed and retirement began.
During his retirement years he loved yard work and organizing his tool shed. After Maria passed away he knew life would be different. In 2022 he moved to Las Vegas with his daughter and son-in-law. Having his great grandchildren near brought the happiness that he needed. He was a playful soul and to them he was Papou Jimmy. The highlight of his day was seeing one or all.
Jim is survived by his daughter Rita (Spiro) Demas, and son George Maroudas and sister Pat Karpakis. He is also survived by grandchildren Athena (Anton) Pitts, George Demas, Nicole Demas, Krista Maroudas, Dionna (Jeno) Wilkinson and great grandchildren Alexis, Aria, Armani, Amari and Roman. Survived also by numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wives Athena and Maria, brother George Maroudas, and his daughter-in-law Margo (George) Maroudas.
Both Viewing and Funeral will be held at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Viewing Tuesday, May 7, 2024 – 6:00 pm. The funeral will be held Wednesday May 8, 2024 11:00 am. Internment will follow at Mt Olivet Cemetery.
Makaria (luncheon) will be at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 So 300 W, Salt Lake City following Interment.
The family would like to thank Southwest Medical Palative and Hospice, many caregivers, nurse Rhea Dela Vega and Lauren Dowell, and Dr. Dean Tsai of Henderson, Nevada.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral/Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.