John James Bechakas, 88, of 322 Dawson St., died Tuesday (Jan. 28) in Clearwater Beach, FL. He was born October 21, 1936 in Kane, son of the late James T. and Aglaia Tzivelis Bechakas.  On May 31, 1964 in Siatista, Greece he married the former Toula Sfendonis, who survives.

He graduated from Kane High School in 1955 and Grove City College in 1959.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962 stationed in Munich, Germany.

After working several years as an accountant the deceased in 1967 formed a partnership with his brother Terry in the family business.  After his brother’s retirement in 1989 John, along with his wife and four sons, continued, expanded and renovated the 1914 family business – Texas Hot Lunch / 4-Sons.  He also was instrumental in starting Kane Beer in 1997.

He was a member and past Councilman of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Jamestown, NY, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1132 and American Legion Post #250.  He also had been a long time member of the BPO Elks #329 and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #130. He was an active member of the Siatistian Businessmen’s Association-U.S.A. where he had served as Secretary and Treasurer for over 25 years.  He was awarded their Man of the Year Award in 1989.

His proudest community accomplishment was his assistance in starting the Kane High School Alumni Memorial Award Fund in 1985 and actively serving as Treasurer for 20 years.   Since its inception, the fund is proud to have awarded over $180,000 to deserving Kane High graduates.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are four sons, James Bechakas and wife Marisa of Kane, Costas Bechakas of Clearwater, FL., Terry Bechakas of Kane and Michael Bechakas and wife Heather of Kane; seven grandchildren; and his sister-in-law Soultana Bechakas of Kane.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Terry Bechakas.

Friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday (Feb. 7) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Gathering Space at St. Callistus Catholic Church. A funeral service will follow in the church at 1:00 p.m. with Father Stephen Gousious officiating.  Burial with military honors will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Kane High School Alumni Memorial Award Fund.

The Cummings Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of services.