James M. Golias, 90, father, grandfather, proud Veteran, and motorcycle enthusiast passed away peacefully in his sleep, in his home, as he wished, December 17, 2023.
Papou, Greek for Grandpa, did his life his way. The week prior to his passing, with his daughter by his side, he told her he was ready. His goal was to reach 90, and he did, with a surprise party to celebrate. He had a lifelong passion for riding motorcycles, and he continued riding his “bike” every summer until the age of 89. Yes, you read that right!
Jim was born April 14, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of the late Marcus and Aphrodite (Davos) who emigrated from Greece. He was raised in the Brickbottom section of Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School in 1951. Drafted into the US Army in the 61st Infantry Regiment during the Korean War, he served from 1953 to 1955, and was honorably discharged receiving both a National Defense Service medal and a Good Conduct medal.
He recalled fondly his memories of riding horses in Colorado during this time.
His parents bought land and moved to Tewksbury where Jim helped with their egg business. He received his education at Lowell Technical Institute, now University of Massachusetts Lowell as well as attending Massachusetts Radio and Television school. He became an engineer at what was then Western Electric, later known as AT&T in North Andover. Besides his day job as an engineer, he repaired radios and televisions, and Jim was the one everyone called when something broke. Later, those skills transferred to fixing his grandkids’ toys.
Jim was a member of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell. He had a larger-than-life personality with his iconic mustache, a fierce honesty and loyalty to those he loved and cared about. Strength is the word to describe this man. When health issues emerged along the way, he persevered and got back to riding his bike.
Jim was an amazing Greek cook and taught himself how to make homemade bread and pizza dough with his hands, a gift his daughter and grandkids now have.
He was an avid fan of WWE wrestling and Saturdays would find him at his daughter’s house watching the matches or enjoying Greek shows. He enjoyed outings with his lunch buddies from work, and come any weather, he had his weekly lunch or dinner dates with his family. Jim loved to tinker and try to figure out how things worked in his basement workshop.
He partook in daily walks. For 12 years he had a beloved dog, Koukla, who accompanied him on many car rides, walks, and trips.
Jim took extreme pride in his grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter Mary and her husband Nick and their two children, and his three nieces, Connie, Freda, and Clara. He was predeceased by his wife Sylvia (Christotheme Paraskevopoulos) Golias, his brother John Gkolias and his wife, Irene, and their son Mark.
Jim is also survived by second and third cousins in Chios, Greece whom he spoke with on the phone and video calls. He cultivated that relationship connection so that his daughter and her husband were able to visit them and continue their family bond to this day.
Mary and Nick would like to thank Jim’s buddies, especially Bill Smith of Atkinson, NH who was always a good friend and lunch pal. A special thank you to Joseph English and his late wife, Jean, Jim’s niece from his wife’s side, of Andover, who were always there for Uncle Jimmy, bringing him on their adventures.
Papou was a good time, funny, sharp, sarcastic wit, and generous. May his memory be eternal. He will be deeply missed.
Visiting hours are at the Tewksbury Funeral Home Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 4pm-7pm. The funeral will be held January 5th at 11am at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, followed by burial with Army Honors at the Westlawn Cemetery in Lowell. A celebration of his life will follow. Donations in his name may be made to the Veterans or to any charity closest to your heart. Please find us on facebook or use this website to leave the family a message of condolence at any time.