George James Kasotis

George James Kasotis, 91, of Marion, joined his Eternal Father in Heaven on Thursday

May 29, 2025, to be reunited with his parents, James George Kasotis and Theodora

(Konstas), sister, Savie (Paul) Kleinerman, stepsiblings George Sakel, Diana Rose

Shato, niece Theodora Christopher, and son, Aris George James Kasotis.

On Wednesday August 2, 1933, in the kitchen of a tavern in Caledonia, OH, the strike of

the doctor’s palm upon George’s butt made him cry out, “Table for two? This way!”. A

graduate of Marion Harding High School 1952, George was a star linebacker on

Harding’s football team.

George began college at The Ohio State University. In 1953, George was drafted into

the United States Army; he fought for freedom in the Korean War as a soldier earning

his Purple Heart. He attended cosmetology school, earned his license, and became an

instructor at the school in Lima, OH.

George returned to Marion to help with his mother’s business, The Crest Restaurant.

Once George took ownership, he renamed it, The Keg & Vine. He made renovations to

the building and menu, like Greek salad, gyros, souvlaki, baklava. He added wines and

music, said ‘It’s Greek And It’s Good’, leaving you to wonder, ‘Why let the Greeks have

all the fun?’ In continuing the tradition of exciting foods, pastries, and spirits, the

business then became known as Café George and was host to countless banquets,

parties, & receptions.

As a tennis enthusiast, he loved the game so much that in 1970 with the guidance of

Marion Tennis Association, George began the Buckeye Open Tennis Tournament.

Finally, after 6 years of courting, George married, “my angel”, Joan Marie Amstutz

during September of 1983. Both were performers and met through the Follies of the

Junior Service Guild at the Marion Palace Theatre.

George was Greek Orthodox; he prayed for his wife and son daily. He never went a day

without a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil, or squeeze of lemon juice. George was very

proud of his Greek heritage.

All his life, he continued to serve where he was needed. He was involved in the local

Marion politics. George voted and was a member of the Marion County Democratic

Party; he was elected as precinct committeeman for many, many years.

Whenever he had a chance, George loved entertaining people. He loved to sing. He

loved to dance. He shared memorable stories and jokes. George put fashion into his

outfits. George made friends effortlessly, forever memorable.

Among those who will remember, George is survived by: Joan Kasotis, Kris George

Wade Kasotis, Jamie (Ed) Levine, Lauren (Joshua) Zuar, Alex Levine, Greg (Pam)

Vlachos, Joseph Kleinerman, and Joan’s siblings, nieces, and nephews.

George welcomes family and friends for visitation hours from 5 until 8 pm at Epworth

United Methodist Church on Thursday June 5, 2025. George’s funeral service will be

10 am at Epworth United Methodist Church on Friday June 6, 2025. Greek Orthodox

Father Savvas will be officiating; Pastor Jennifer Bass giving the eulogy. The committal

service for interment of the body will follow the funeral service within the Caledonia

Cemetery. The Boyd Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of George

Kasotis in their time of mourning.

To cherish his memory and carry on his legacy, please make contributions to Marion

Community Foundation - George James Kasotis Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George James Kasotis, please visit our floral store.