James S. Betzelos

James S. Betzelos, husband of 64 years to his late beloved wife Priscilla nee Tompary. Proud father of Steve (Dena), Peter, and Scott (Elizabeth) Betzelos. Devoted grandfather of James, Priscilla, and Gregory. Fond brother of Anastasios S. (the late Irene nee Rempas), Elaine (the late John) Palmer, and the late Angelo (the late Bessie nee Cominas) Betzelos. Dear brother-in-law of Betty (the late Louis) Karagiannis and the late John (the late Sophie nee Baladimas) Tompary. Dear Uncle and Friend of many. James attended Bell and Cleveland Elementary School and Amundsen High School, class of 1946. He attended Wright Junior College for 2 years and graduated with a Liberal Arts degree. He then attended Northwestern University Business School. He began his career at Eversharp Corporation as a team manager reporting to the Executive Vice President of the Manufacturing Division. In the 1950’s, he joined his brothers at Sunset Construction Company Inc, Sunset Realty Inc, and Betzelos-Sunset Insurance Agency Inc. James held many positions and memberships to organizations. He served as President of the Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview and was appointed to host the Clergy Laity Conference of 1978 as General Chairman. Under the leadership of his Eminence Archbishop Iakavos, the Conference supported the decentralization of North and South American churches. A notable contribution was the Parish’s Godparent Program. Breaking with tradition of a “single godparent”, he submitted a program to expand the Godparent Family to the entire parish. Ensuring broader participation, the first of its kind, the Program enabled 140 families to become a Church Godfather and raised a significant sum to retire the church mortgage. This Program has been incorporated nationwide by many churches. James was Chairman of the Entombment Fund 1979, President of the Order of Ahepa, Lincolnwood Chapter 396. He was Chairman of the 61st Supreme Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Member of the Hellenic Lodge 1084, Master Mason for 50 years. The Imperial Council of the Noble of the Mystic Shrine in Medinah Temple, 1966. Friends and Family will meet on Friday, June 9, 2023 for visitation from 4PM to 8PM at N.H. Scott and Hanekamp, 1240 Waukegan Road, Glenview. Funeral service Saturday, June 10 at 9:30AM at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove. Funeral Service can viewed live or recorded at Sts. Peter and Paul Livestream channel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church would be appreciated. Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd. 847-375-0095.