AHEPA Family Mourns the Passing of Past Supreme
 President John George Plumides

The AHEPA family and the entire Charlotte community is deeply saddened by the passing of Past Supreme President John G. Plumides who died Sunday evening May 15, 2005 in Charlotte, NC. He was 78. Brother Plumides served two terms as Supreme President first in 1963-1964 and again in 1986-1987.

Brother John Plumides was an Ahepan of superlatively high standards, complete integrity, and boundless enthusiasm, for whatever task he took in hand. No one, whose privilege it was to know him will ever forget the candor of his speech, yet the ability to be as subtle and persuasive as a small child when the occasion demanded.” stated Supreme President Franklin R. Manios. “Who shall forget the courage of his convictions and the warm and glowing brightness of his friendship. Our deepest sympathies are with his devoted and lovely wife, Mary, their three sons, their four grandchildren, and to all of their extended family.”

Brother Plumides held numerous offices throughout his storied AHEPA career. He first joined Marathon Chapter No. 2 in Charlotte, NC in 1950 and became a Life member. At 36, he became one of the youngest Supreme Presidents in the organization’s history. He became Supreme President for a second term in 1986-1987. He also served as: District Governor of Capital District No. 3, Supreme Counselor, Supreme Secretary, Supreme Vice President and numerous times as Supreme Convention Chairman. He served as Chairman of the AHEPA Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs committee. John was the presenter of the first “AHEPA Socrates Award,” awarded in 1964 to Time and LIFE Publisher Henry Luce. The presentation was pictured on the Editorial page of LIFE magazine.

John was also active with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America serving on the Archdiocesan Council for over 25 years and served, as Counsel, to His Eminence Archbishop Iakovos. He was a member of Leadership 100. In 1972, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras made Brother Plumides an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, receiving the title of "Megas Notarios." He also served on the Board of Trustees of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Charlotte for over 15 years and served as President for seven years and as YIASOU Festival Chairman for two years.

John Plumides attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for both Undergraduate and Law School. He began practicing law in August 1953. From 1953-1955, he served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. In 1956, he joined with his brother Michael and formed the Plumides Law Firm, which still exists today. He youngest son, Gregory practices law in the same office. One of his proudest moments as an attorney occurred in April of 2003 when the Mecklenburg County Bar featured him, as one of the “Heroes of Our Bar,” and the North Carolina Bar Association recognized in the same year for 50 years of practice. During his career, he won numerous Court of Appeals cases that changed both civil and criminal law in North Carolina, including one case that went to the United States Supreme Court.

In 1964, he was chosen for the delegation and joined in the flight aboard “Air Force One”, along with Lady Bird Johnson, President Harry S. Truman, Archbishop Iakovos and 10 other dignitaries personally representing President Lyndon B. Johnson at the funeral of King Paul of Greece. He received the King George “Medal of Honor” in 1966.

John was extensively involved with the Democratic National Party on local and national levels. He won the Democratic primary for the 8th Congressional District seat of North Carolina. He was chosen twice as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He also served as one of President Jimmy Carter’s National campaign managers. President William J. Clinton recognized him for his support during both his campaigns and presidencies. John received the North Carolina “Distinguished Citizen Award” from then Governor Terry Sanford.

A native of Charlotte, he was the son of George John Plumides of Constantinople, Asia Minor and Panagiota (Cockinos) of Nisiros, Greece. Brother John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary (Louzis), three sons George, John and Gregory and his wife Anna, all of Charlotte. He was the proud grandfather of four, Christina, William, Caroline, and Clarkson; many nephews and nieces. His brother and partner in their law practice, Michael G. Plumides, predeceased John.

A Prayer Service will be held Wednesday evening, May 18, 2005, 7:30 p.m., at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC. The number for the church is 704-334-4771. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 19, 2005, 2:00 p.m., at Holy Trinity Cathedral. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the AHEPA Marathon Chapter No. 2 or to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Foundation of Charlotte, NC. The address for the Marathon Chapter No. 2 is: In Care Of N. Markos Kontos, Treasurer, 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203. Donations should be made payable to the AHEPA Marathon Chapter No. 2 and earmarked for the John G. Plumides Scholarship.

In tribute to John George Plumides:

When good men die, their goodness does not perish,
But lives, though they are gone.” - Euripides

May the memory of dearly Brother John George Plumides be eternal.

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