“Papou Dimitri”
Gone fishing…
Our beloved father, papou, uncle and friend fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday November 6, 2010 after a gallant fight with Dementia.
James was born December 8, 1923, in Davenport, California to Greek immigrants John and Clara Ambathiotakis of Hania, Crete. Jim graduated from Superior High School, Wyoming and later moved back to San Francisco to enlist in the Army during World War II, where he became a Corporal in the Army Air Corps as a radio operator. After the war he returned to San Francisco, where he attended Heald Engineering College as a radio and television technician and graduated in June 1956. He also met and later married Camelia Christopulos, in San Francisco on December 12, 1960. They moved back to Salt Lake City and were married for 20 years and had three children.
In the 1970’s he opened his own business, “City Welding & Radiator” where he worked until he retired at age 72. He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and of the Cretan Juniors. Jim was a cowboy at heart and loved hunting, fishing, animals and horseback riding (a true outdoors man). He enjoyed all sports, and was a huge 49ers fan. Jim loved music and enjoyed playing his harmonica, organ, and piano. Dad had rhythm, and loved to dance, especially with his grandchildren. Jim was jovial, had a good sense of humor, made friends easily and had a zest for life. Jim was most proud of his family and especially his grandchildren. They had a special love for each other and they will cherish that relationship forever.
Preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Mike, Gus, and Pete Ambus. Survived by, son Gregory T. Ambus of Long Island, NY/grandchildren Greg and Alicia, daughters Denise (Nick) Nikols/grandchildren Mary and John, Victoria (Kosta) Luras/grandchildren Alexander, Patricia, Vickie and Aleko, his sister Helen Mazoras of Hayward, CA, and an extended family of nieces, nephews and grandchildren (Jessica & Cody) and great grandchildren who loved him dearly.
Friends and family may pay their respects at Wasatch lawn Mortuary 3401 Highland Drive on Sunday, November 14, from 6-8 p.m. With a Trisagion Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Cathedral 279 S. 300 W. on Monday November 15, 2010. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers send donations to Primary Children’s Hospital.
We would like to thank all the caregivers from Canyon Creek, VA Nursing Home and Care Source who gave their unconditional love to our father.
Dad, your “back in the saddle again”… not a day will go by that we will not miss your love, smile, laugh, music and dancing. Your memories will forever be in our mind and our hearts! s’okay, s’all right! We love you Jimacko! May your memory be eternal. Rest in peace.
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