Date of Birth
September 27, 1937
Date of Death
January 10, 2024
James Andrinopoulos, age 86, passed away suddenly Wednesday morning, January 10, 2024.
He was born September 27, 1937, in Malthi, Greece, to proud parents, Aristidis and Stauroula Andrinopoulos.
James grew up in Malthi and attended local schools. He faithfully served in the Greek Army for two years before an honorable discharge brought him back to civilian life in 1957. James found work in Athens for a paving and bricklaying company for several years.
Maria Karametsos had travelled to Greece from the United States to visit some friends and was introduced to James one fateful day. A whirlwind courtship of 40 days swept Maria off her feet, (though secretly she was sweeping James off his), and brought them to the altar where they were married in 1970. Maria left Greece ahead of James but their reunion in Chicago was just as sweet as love they found in his homeland.
James worked at Brach’s Candy for many years, toiled at Wasco Inn for a few more before returning to Brach’s. Aramark was James’ next destination, but his entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own window cleaning business. At last, he laid down his tools and retired in 1999, but found himself quickly filling up his days with his family and grandchildren.
James was a faithful member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in DeKalb.
James had a special abiding love for his grandchildren. His handyman skills were often fraught with difficulties, but he was never in doubt. His cooking filled the kitchen with the aromas that harkened back to his childhood. His garden was an oasis of plenty, filled with vegetables that filled his days weeding, pruning, harvesting and most of all enjoying every minute. James was a simple man with simple tastes, whose foundation of family and love will last for generations to come.
He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Maria Andrinopoulos; three children: Stephanie (Enrique) Orozco, Vickie (Todd) McClung and Artie (Brandy) Andrinopoulos; 7 grandchildren: Dimitris, Christian, Nickolas, Kaylie, Katerina, Maria, and Jonathan; three siblings: Panagiota (John) Anastasiadis, Anna (Nikos) Bakousi and George (Fofo) Andrinopoulos; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.
He is reunited with his parents, Aristidis and Stauroula Andrinopoulos and his niece, Stauroula Andrinopoulos.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Monday, January 15, 2024, with a service to follow at 11 a.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S 2nd St, DeKalb, IL 60115. Interment will occur immediately after the service at Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org or to St. Geoge Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S. 2nd St., DeKalb, IL 60115, as both impacted his life immensely. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Monday, January 15, 2024, with a service to follow at 11 a.m., at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 320 S 2nd St, DeKalb, IL 60115. Interment will occur immediately after the service at Fairview Park Cemetery, DeKalb