"Ted" James G. Kezos Obituary (1937

James G. “Ted” Kezos, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025 at his home in Santa Clara, Utah surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 10, 1937 in Enid, Oklahoma to James and Lorna Kezos. He married his sweetheart, Gloria Hafen, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 21, 1960, and was later sealed in the St. George Temple on December 27, 1962. Shortly after he was born, his family moved to Bell, California. During his childhood, he learned the value of hard work from his parents working many hours in the family market. He also learned to love and appreciate his Greek heritage. Ted graduated from Bell High School in 1955. Ted served in the Army from 1957 to 1959. He was stationed in the Presidio in San Francisco and was part of the Honor Guard. He worked for Certified Grocers of California for over 30 years starting in the warehouse and eventually becoming the Transportation Director. Shortly after retiring, in 1988, he fulfilled his sweetheart’s lifelong dream and moved to Santa Clara. Ted loved many activities including fishing, traveling, gardening, watching TV (especially sports and news), playing cards, and going to his favorite restaurants. His favorite sports were softball and bowling, which he played throughout his life. He participated in over 32 years of Huntsman Senior Games accumulating over 60 medals. His final gold medal was earned last year. Ted was actively involved in the community and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ted volunteered with Huntsman Senior Games and served on the City Council in Santa Clara. He served as Bishop of the Chino 3rd Ward from 1979-1984. He served faithfully in various callings throughout his life. Many people’s lives were impacted in a positive manner by his selfless acts of service. Specifically, Ted’s neighbors, friends, and family often received kindness, a smile, a listening ear, and sometimes a loaf of “Ted’s bread.” Ted’s greatest joy was being around his family and friends. His gentle kindness, humility, love, and service blessed the lives of his family and friends. He is survived by children Kevin (Freedom) Kezos, Shauna (David) Polatis, and Kyle (Melanie) Kezos; grandchildren Travis Polatis, Greg (Kim) Kezos, Jordon (Mary) Polatis, Faith (Kenny) Banner, Ryan (Kaitlen) Polatis, Zachary (Emily) Polatis, Chad Kezos, Tessara Heredia (Abe), Kourtney Kezos, Ashley Kezos, and Kylie Kezos; and great grandchildren Teddy, Lennyn, Mack, Molly, Maxwell, Lydia, Monroe, Henry, Daisy, Jensen, Calvin, Rudy, George, Aria, Archie, Josie, and Nico. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Kezos; parents, James and Lorna Kezos; brother, George Kezos; nephews, Wade Hafen, Troy Hafen, Trent Hafen; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, at 12 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Santa Clara Valley Chapel, 3040 Santa Clara Drive. Visitations will be held on Saturday prior to services from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Interment will be held at Santa Clara Cemetery with military honors. The family would like to thank the medical providers at Intermountain St. George Regional Medical Center and Applegate Home & Hospice for their kind and dedicated care. Special thanks to Natalie Larsen for many years of loving care. Family and friends are invited to share tributes online at www.SerenityStG.com. Arrangements and memorial tree planting are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Home of Southern Utah, St. George, 986-9100. Zoom Meeting: zoom.us/j/97561872921