James Karolides, 78, formerly of Middleton and Danvers, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2011. He was the husband of Nancy (Johnson) Karolides with whom he shared 55 years of marriage.
Born in Peabody on September 17, 1933, he was the son of Muriel (Herrick) Karolides of Danvers and the late John Karolides. Jim graduated in 1953 from Holten High School in Danvers. He went on to proudly serve his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged.
Jim was a Danvers Police officer until 1969 and then worked as a federal agent for the Bureau of ATF until his retirement in 1989. After his retirement Jim operated a private detective business and pursued music. He partnered with Lou Silvestri to create the band, “Style is Back in Style,” and delighted music aficionados with his voice and anecdotes.
Jim was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Danvers, Daylight Lodge of Beverly, and Middleton Kiwanis.
He is survived by his seven children, Candice McGann of Brockton, Dawn of Danvers, James, Jr. and wife Debera of Sammamish, WA, Tyra of Beverly, Robyn Picillo of Danvers, Matthew of Peabody and Mark and his wife Brenda Karolides of Peabody; his grandchildren, Ileath Bridges, Kara and Brianne McGann, Cherish Goodman, Samantha, David & Trento Picillo, Mary, Anna, Malica Allen, Meaghan, Jonathan, Katelyn, Christian, Nicole and Ryan Karolides. He is also survived by his sisters, Sue Gehling and Priscilla Herrick of Danvers, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and William Karolides.
His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 9AM in the Calvary Episcopal Church, corner of Cherry & Holten Sts., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Troop Support, 16 Trinity St., Danvers, MA 01923.