Jim James passed into the Great House of God Saturday morning, June 14, 2014. Jim was born on April 18, 1923, raised in a large, loving family. His parents were Greek immigrants, instilling in Jim the power that is found with a strong faith of the Lord God Jesus.
Jim was a true American hero, living his life with integrity and honor, humbly serving America in World War II as a young 19 year old. He was proud to be a Paratrooper of the 507th Infantry and boldly went to war because of his strong convictions. Captured and taken prisoner of war, he spent 11 months as a POW and was liberated on May 7, 1945. During his time as a POW, he never lost sight of his faith in God.
Coming home from the service, he met and fell in love with Dimetra Christopolis; they married in 1946. They spent the next twenty years in a God-loving family relationship. Jim saw his wife pass away in 1966, but continued to carry his family forward. In 1970, he was blessed again to meet Mary Rasmussen; they married and enjoyed traveling around America, but always returned home to family.
Jim was exemplary in his work ethics, working for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as an engineer for 35 years, retiring in 1981. Always working with enthusiasm and dedication, he was proud and grateful to be able to go to work every day, providing for his family.
Active all of his life, he loved sports; baseball and football were always a topic of conversation at family gatherings. He was involved for many years in local softball, both as a player and as a manager. One of his greatest joys was to watch his son, grandsons and great-grandson play baseball, rarely missing a game no matter how far he had to travel. Jim also enjoyed his years bowling with his buddies. Jim loved nature and gardening, and delighted in giving people arms full of his home grown vegetables. Jim also loved to fish. Coming from a long line of Greek fishermen, Jim always had a story to tell.
Jim loved animals and he always had a dog; his dog Maxi-Sammy will miss him. Jim gladly took care of the horses and loved to watch his daughter ride. Jim also delighted in going to church every Sunday. He developed many special relationships through the church and loved all the people of the Markesan Bible Church.
Jim is survived by his son, Peter (Sandy); daughter, Frances (Paul) Streeter; step-son, Russell (Julie) Rasmussen; his grandsons, Jim, Joshua, Matt, Sherman and granddaughter, Erin; great-grandchildren, Peter, Zoe, Eli and Abe. He set an example of strength and courage to everyone he met and he touched their hearts.
Jim will be laid to rest with graveside military honors at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Rienzi Cemetery, Fond du Lac. Following the burial, a Memorial Gathering will be held at Markesan Bible Church from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (noon). A Memorial Service will be held at church at 12:00 p.m. (noon), followed by a luncheon, also at church.
Jim’s family greatly appreciates the compassionate care that all of the staff showed Jim during his year at the Markesan Resident Home.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 181 S. Main St,, Markesan, is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
