John J. Contoudis was born in Chios, Greece on July 14, 1935. He migrated to the U.S. in March of 1946. He spent his formative years in Philadelphia, where he lived for his adult life, a city he loved.

He attended the Philadelphia Public School system and graduated from Central High School in the 203rd class. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was the recipient of three medals for his meritorious service.

After the military, he operated his family restaurant business, during this six-year period he attended evening classes at Temple University.

After a successful sales career in the photographic industry, in the summer of 1966, he opened a retail camera store, Jack’s Cameras, in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. Within a year a 2nd shop was opened, and within two decades the enterprise flourished and had over 100 stores along the eastern seaboard from Michigan to Florida. In December 1996 he retired from the business and turned over the reins to his sons Jim and Chris Contoudis.

John served in many civic and humanitarian organizations. For over a decade he was the youth director at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. He also served on the board of Liberty Bank of Philadelphia. One of his greatest civic passions was his service on the board of Temple University, he began this service in 1984 and was named an honorary member of the board for life. He is a firm believer in the mission of Temple, to provide an education to working class people. Both his sons and his granddaughter are alumni.

John was an avid enthusiast of sports; he coached basketball and baseball, played tennis and was an avid golfer.

Of all his achievements his most significant was his family. He often said his family made him the wealthiest man in the world. He was married to Terry Aphrodite Contoudis from August 1963. They have three children, James, Chris, and Karen. The boys operate Jack’s Cameras, and Karen is an attorney at Allen & Overy LLP in New York. Their three children brought wonderful new children as in-laws to the family, Leslie Contoudis (James), Eleni Contoudis (Chris) and Robert Buzard (Karen). Eight grandchildren have further extended the family, these grandchildren were the joy of John and Terry’s life. At family gatherings John could always be found playing and laughing with his grandchildren (in age order): Tori (James & Leslie), John (James & Leslie), Theo (James & Leslie), Jonathon (Chris & Eleni), TJ (Karen & Rob), Will (Karen & Rob), Anthony (Chris & Eleni) and Alexia (Chris & Eleni).

VISITATION
Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
7921 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027

FUNERAL SERVICE
Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 11:30 am
Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
7921 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027

INTERMENT FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE
Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19046