John J. Liambeis

John J. Liambeis, M.D., F.A.C.P., born November 6, 1920 in Athens, Greece, the son of John B. and Anna H. Liambeis, passed away Tuesday, July 16 at his home in Willoughby. Beloved husband for 65 years of Doris M. (nee Johnson), loving father of Philip Liambeis (wife Valerie) and Christina Hicks (husband Kenneth), devoted grandfather of Nicole Liambeis, Stephanie Schneck (husband David), Jarrett (fiancé Jouana Cuozzo), Philip and Carolyn Hicks, cherished great grandfather of Lauren and Owen Hicks, brother of the following deceased: Christina Angelopoulos and Maria (Yula) Goulimis. As a graduate of Athens College, a private boys high school, John excelled in academics and sports. Upon completion of his studies, he intended to go to medical school in Greece. Unfortunately, World War II interrupted his plans. During the German occupation, John first served with the Greek Guerillas, then joined the Allied Forces as an interpreter with American troops in Greece in the Allied Military Mission. When the war ended, he travelled with two childhood friends to the United States to continue their studies. After a twenty-three day voyage from Athens to Philadelphia, they made their way by bus to Washington, D.C. At the office of Strategic Services (now the CIA) they each received $2000 for having served with the U.S. Army. He then travelled to Iowa City, where he received his undergraduate degree from the State University of Iowa and where he met his future wife Doris Johnson, who was pursuing her Master's Degree. They were married in 1947 and moved to Cleveland where Doris landed a teaching job in Shaker Heights and John entered medical school at Western Reserve University (now CWRU.) Upon graduation in 1952 he did post graduate study in Internal Medicine at University Hospitals, after which he started private practice in Euclid where he served until his retirement in 1991. He was on the staff of University Hospitals and Euclid Hospitals. He was dedicated to his profession and his love for medicine. In 1967, he was elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He worked tirelessly on behalf of his patients and was honored by the respect he was shown among his peers. After a heart attack at age 42, he turned his life around and became dedicated to exercise and healthy eating. He played tennis until age 90 and took great pride in the fact that he walked on the treadmill 6 days a week for 30 minutes a day as recently as February of this year. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he enjoyed time with his family particularly in retirement. He believed in education and encouraged everyone to keep learning, studying medicine into his 90's. John and his wife Doris lived in their Lyndhurst home for 50 years, and following her death last fall, he moved to Breckenridge Village in Willoughby.