In loving memory of

Alexander James Afendoulis
February 23, 1936 - October 2, 2021

Afendoulis, Mr.
Alexander James
Muskegon, MI

Alexander James Afendoulis, age 85, passed away with family by his side on Saturday, October 2nd 2021, in Muskegon, Michigan. He was born in Muskegon February 23, 1936 to James and Sophia Afendulis, who were Greek immigrants. He was the second of three children, all sons. He was a proud graduate of both Muskegon High School and Muskegon Junior College, and even more proud to be a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History. He had achieved ABD status in his study of Balkan history when he chose to finish his studies and take a position on the faculty of Grand Rapids Junior College, where he taught American Politics and Government for 29 years. He was an avid student of American politics, American history, and European history for his entire life.

He was a devoted son, brother, and uncle. He soaked in every detail he could about the difficulties his parents faced as ethnic Greeks driven from the Ottoman Empire, and shared those stories with his nieces and nephews so that the family's history would not be forgotten. He nursed both his mother and father through long illnesses at the ends of their lives. He has been a good companion to his brother Theodore in recent years. His nieces and nephews were blessed to grow up living right next door such a good role model, and to have him as a source of laughter, stability, and generosity throughout their lives. In recent years, his great-nephew Costa and great-niece Eleni were his biggest source of happiness.

Alexander enjoyed spending time with family, taking long walks, gardening, University of Michigan football, old films, and old radio shows that he would listen to on his reel-to-reel tape recorder. He was an active member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Muskegon, and was also a supporter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids.

He was a generous, good-hearted person. Charlatans and crooks in government could infuriate him, and anyone who was close to him would agree that he took his politics seriously. But at the heart of those commitments was a big heart, and a desire that things would improve for the most destitute among us.

SURVIVORS
Alexander is survived by his brother Theodore Afendulis, nephews James Afendulis and Christopher Afendulis (Claudine Gay), niece Teresa Micheil (Richard), great-nephew Costa Gay-Afendulis, and great-niece Eleni Micheil. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Sophia Afendulis, his brother Deno Afendulis, his sister-in-law Phyllis Afendulis, and his niece Nikki Afendulis.
SERVICE
Saturday, October 9, 2021, 2:00 PM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. John Sakellariou officiating. Interment in Sunrise Memorial Gardens.
VISITATION
Saturday, 9th of October, 2021 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alexander's name to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Muskegon or the Muskegon Rescue Mission.
Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.
Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon

Tributes

Ruth Ann Mays wrote on Oct 4, 2021:

"Dear Jim and all of the Afendulis family, I am so sorry for you loss. I remember seeing your Uncle at the Greek dinners. He was a very nice man. With deepest sympathy, Ruth Ann Mays."

Maria Landon wrote on Oct 4, 2021:

"Our sincerest condolences to Alex's family! He was a very kind, thoughtful, very bright man! So many wonderful memories of him and his dear family! May his memory be eternal! May God strengthen the family during this difficult time! Zoe se sas....Life to all of you!"

Barbara Klug wrote on Oct 3, 2021:

"Sincere sympathy to the Afendulis family, Dave and Barb Klug."