James Karagas

Father James Karagas passed away on November 4, 2020 at the age of 93. He was born to Mike Karagas and Christine George in Detroit, Michigan on June 10, 1927.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn K. Palmer, former wife, Lucille Karagas, sons George (Patty), Mike (Karen), and Demo, grandchildren, Demetri, Nicholas (Brittany), Ally, Gina, Geri Cassals (Chris), Cindi Snyder (Randy), and Christi Huges and 9 great-grandchildren. His daughter, Victoria preceded him in death on April 6, 2019.

He served in the Army Air Corp during WWII as an airplane mechanic. He was ordained as a Greek Orthodox Priest in 1955 and served various communities in Ohio, Colorado, Texas and Nevada. He obtained a commercial pilot’s license in the 1960s in order to better serve his parishioners in the San Antonio area. He also studied in Greece and obtained a Master’s Degree in Catholic Theology from St. Mary’s University in Texas. He retired from the priesthood in 1987.

In 1990, he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he worked as a free-lance graphic designer and for State Farm Insurance. He retired at age 62 and enjoyed photography and making digital stories.

He will be remembered for his gentle, sweet, spirit and for his acceptance and kindness toward everyone he met.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 12 at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3131 NE Glisan St., Portland, Oregon, 97232