Mar.
16, 1928 - Dec. 29, 2009SOUTH BEND - James L. Anastos, Sr., 81, of South Bend, IN, passed away at 11:55 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2009, in Hospice House. James was born on March 16, 1928 in Michigan City, IN to Louis James and Florence (Vuylsteke) Anastos. He retired from the former Bendix Corporation. After retiring from Bendix, he was employed with Martin's Supermarket on Western Avenue, where he also retired. James was the former owner and operator of the Anastos Grocery Store on Lincolnway West. He had also been employed with the City of South Bend Parks and Water Departments, Tip Top Bakery, Ford Music and Vending, and Canteen Vending. On August 27, 1955, in Christ the King Catholic Church, he married Elizabeth A. "Betty" Molenda, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Sue (Roland) Eckman of South Bend, IN, Elizabeth "Liz" Chrzan of South Bend, IN, and Barbara A. "Barbie" (Michael) Graham of Elkhart, IN; three sons, James L. "Duke" (Pattie) Anastos, Jr. of South Bend, IN, Paul (Kathleen) Anastos of South Bend, IN, and David (Susie) Anastos of South Bend, IN; seven grandchildren, Nicholas Anastos, Andrew Anastos, Christina Anastos, Abbagail Anastos, Gabrielle Fisher-Graham, Dalton Anastos, and Dakota Anastos; one brother-in-law, Vaughn Butner of Reno, NV; three nephews, Michael (Kelly) Wallace of South Bend, IN, James (Maeve) Wallace of South Bend, IN, and John (Sue) Wallace of South Bend, IN; and a special family member, Jody Wallace of Indianapolis, IN. James was preceded in death by his sister, Leah Butner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 4, 2010, in Holy Family Church. Friends may call from 2 until 8 p.m. Sunday in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a parish rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. James was a 1947 graduate of Central Catholic High School and a member of the National Guard during the Korean War. He was a member of Holy Family Parish and Usher's Club. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #5570 and the Teamsters #364. He was a former Boy Scout Leader and Little League Coach. James was a hard working man who held down several jobs at the same time to support the family he adored. James and Betty raised six wonderful children and were blessed with seven grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Church or the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. To send online condolences, please visit Kaniewski.com.