Obituary of Mr. James Paris
James (Jimmy) Paris passed away 3 days after he celebrated his 100th birthday with an amazing birthday party he thoroughly enjoyed. He was born in Toronto to Greek immigrants, Christina and Theodore Paraskevopoulos, on June 24, 1923. James was the eldest of 4 siblings: George (Connie), Evelyn (Ted) and Dina (Nick). They lived and worked in Toronto and moved 19 times as a family. One of the reasons they shortened their family name to Paris was to accommodate their family restaurant, the Paris Grill, at Danforth and Danforth.
James (or Dimitris in Greek), worked at the restaurant for many years until he served in the army. He came back and got a job with Canada Post and met Maria Kyriazopoulos in Toronto when she came to visit her brother Bill and sister-in-law Popi in Canada. Fortunately, according to James, Maria chose the correct flavour of ice cream, vanilla, and the rest is history. James enjoyed his 60.5 years of marriage to his wonderful and beautiful wife Maria.
This began James’ passion of exploring Greece, the homeland of his wife and parents. Their honeymoon was trip #1 and there would be 9 more trips every few years ending with his tenth trip to Greece where he celebrated his 90th birthday hosted by his niece Anna and her husband Chris at their restaurant in Argos, Maria’s hometown. James was always appreciative of Maria’s family members (Kyriazopoulos, Paziotas and Kartharas family) in Greece as they welcomed him with open arms every time he came to visit. He did not want to travel anywhere else in the world.
James worked at Canada Post as a mail sorter for 36 years and was able to buy a house with a lovely backyard for his 2 children, Christina and Ted. Christina and Ted loved their dad for many reasons as he was easy going, loving, relaxed and a great talker and listener. He always thanked God for what he had in life.
He enjoyed a simple life at home with Maria until he was 98 years old. He loved watching sports especially when his beloved Montreal Canadiens played and won (not that other blue and white team). But, the physical activity he enjoyed most was walking. Even in snowstorms he would walk home from work, a good 45 minute walk. During his Greece trips he preferred to walk during the heat of the afternoon instead of napping like the rest of the family. He also enjoyed looking at all the archaeological sites of Argos during these walks.
When his two children got married to Mark Gilmour and Sonali GuptaBhaya this gave him even greater joy. Soon after, he relished all the time he got to spend with his 5 grandchildren (Brittani, Carter, Jamie, AnnaMaria and Maia) that he played with, entertained, held and read to especially during their pre-school years. The grandchildren got to know their Papou very well and loved him very much. From playing hide and seek to sitting patiently while the kids dressed him up with silly things, Papou became the fun play toy for them while he helped Yiayia care for them.
James was loved by all and enjoyed time with his nieces, nephews, and friends at various family gatherings. Most people would describe him as a sweet, gentle man who never took anything for granted. He appreciated the simple things and appreciated everyone’s help especially in his later years. In the last 19 months when his needs were too great to stay at home, he appreciated all of the staff at the Veteran’s Centre at Sunnybrook. He would thank people continuously for the smallest things they did. His nickname was “Howdy Doody” in K-wing as that’s how he would greet people passing by his wheelchair. Of course, he also taught his closest friends there how to say ‘Kalee Mera” (Good morning in Greek)
Something that brought him much joy was his love of music. He played the piano, violin, and mandolin. He especially liked Greek Bouzouki music, so with Sunnybrook’s Grant a Wish program he was able to have a bouzouki player come to his room for a private concert with all of his close family and friends for his big 100th year celebration. He was able to keep the beat with his hands, give thumbs up signs and throw kisses to all during the concert that he thoroughly enjoyed. Even some of his Greek relatives were able to join in through FaceTime to be there as well.
What a century it has been for James Paris and for all that knew him!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. We truly appreciate the amazing care James received there.
