Dr. James G. Paras, Ed.D.,86, of Smith Avenue, Greenville, died Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Hospice Inpatient Center. He was the husband of Elizabeth J. (Skally) Paras.
Born in Schenectady, NY, a son of the late George and Eva (Dervakos) Paraskevakos, he had lived in Smithfield since moving from North Providence.
Besides his wife he is survived by his sister Virginia Tesseris of Pawtucket. He was the brother of the late Louis Paras.
After serving in the US Marines, Dr. Paras began his career as an educator at the Irving S. Cook School in Smithfield in 1955. His first position was a sixth grade teacher instructing 63 pupils in a single classroom. After a few years, Dr. Paras’ leadership was unanimously appointed principal of the Dorothy T. P. Dame School. Dr. Paras was credited with making many changes while there. Again, he was promoted to one of the first supervising elementary principals in Smithfield.
When Dr. Paris was asked what his objective as principal and leader of McCabe Scholl was, he replied: “To pursue excellence and to provide the best learning environment possible for the students. The children always come first.”
Dr. Paris received many accolades and awards. He served as president of many professional associations as well as serving as president of the Rhode Island Principal’s Association.
Dr. Paris will be remembered as the principal who provided a safe and caring learning environment for the children.
His funeral will be Monday at 10:00 am in Assumption Church of the Virgin Mary, 97 Walcott Street, Pawtucket. Burial with Military Honors in Swan Point Cemetery. Visitation respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to American Institute for Cancer Research, 1759 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009.