James “Jimmy” C. Bazoukas passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 25, 2014 at UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Full of life, laughter, and a wonderfully unique sense of humor, Jim gave unselfishly to his children and family, his friends, his church, and his causes. You knew Jim loved you if you were the object of his jokes or received one of his very early morning phone calls. He was a problem solver and got the job done – whether at the homes of family and friends or the restoration of St. Spyridon Cathedral.
Jim leaves the love of his life, his wife Sandra (Shocas) Bazoukas, and his beloved children, Michael of Peabody, and Alexis Bazoukas Halfmann and her husband William of Worcester. He was a loving Papou to his cherished grandson, Charlie Halfmann. Jim is also survived by his loving mother, Katherine Bazoukas, his brother Nicholas and his wife Mardia Coleman, and his brother John Bazoukas. He leaves his uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law, a nephew, nieces, and countless dear and lifelong friends. His father, Charles, predeceased him.
Jim was born in Worcester. He graduated from Doherty High School and Worcester State College. Jim was employed by CVS Corporation for 31 years, and retired as District Manager in 2010. He married Sandy in 1980 and they raised their children Michael and Alexis in Worcester. Jim and Sandy were always together and relished time spent with their many close friends. Jim was most devoted to his family, and happiest when helping them.
Reflecting his pride and love of his Greek heritage, Jim was an active member of the St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral and volunteered countless hours there. He was a past member of the Cathedral Board of Directors and a member of the House Committee and the Building Committee. He was instrumental in the restoration of the Cathedral and the renovation of the community center. Jim was a member of the Order of AHEPA and the Enosis Epirotic Society. He was Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Treasurer of the St. George’s Hellenic Benefit Society of Tsamanta.
An excellent chef, Jim generously cooked meals for others to enjoy - from elaborate holiday meals for large gatherings of family and friends to his newest venture, making baby food for Charlie, his much-loved grandson. He was a fun grandfather who delighted in playing with Charlie and riling up his grand-dog Lennie.
Jim had a wide-ranging love of sports that included golf, racquetball, fishing, and playing cards with his long-time close friends. He was a loyal Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. He loved spending time on Cape Cod with family and friends.
Jim’s death is a tremendous loss to his family, friends, and church. We are forever grateful for the light and love he brought into our lives.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 30th, from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with the service at 11:00 AM in St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 102 Russell Street. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, December 29th from 4:00 until 7:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral Endowment Fund, 102 Russell Street, Worcester MA 01609.