James John Kleronomos

Born on December 13th 1941 in Xirokambi, Greece, Jimmy was the fifth and youngest child of John and Anastasia Kleronomos. He was predeceased by his siblings and their spouses - Koula (Peter), Patricia (Taso), Peter (Gerry), and Maria (John).

Jimmy arrived in Canada in 1958 via the ocean liner Queen Frederica and was 16 years old when he came through Pier 21 in Halifax. The ground was covered in snow, and he did not speak English; his bravery at such a young age is awe-inspiring to contemplate in hindsight.

Jimmy lived in Halifax with his cherished sister Pat and her husband Taso as they helped him adapt to his new Canadian home. His work-ethic was incredibly strong and he began working in hotel kitchens almost immediately, where he realized that he loved to cook. He observed methods and asked questions, wisely using the opportunity to develop both his cooking and language skills.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 57 years. He met Donna Walker at the old Jubilee club in 1967. He offered to take her coat and check it for her. He then slipped her ticket in his pocket and danced with her throughout the evening. They married in July 1969 and welcomed their daughter Tasia (Paul) in 1971, and their son John in 1976. John sadly predeceased his father in February 2024, a loss that Jimmy strongly endured as he mourned his beloved son.

Donna’s brothers, Paul (the late Diane) and Kenny (Karen) were an important part of Jimmy’s life, and blessed him with a loving extended family, as he considered these men his brothers too. And Jimmy adored his mother-in-law, the late Rose Walker, who loved him as if he was her own son.

Jimmy was a proud business owner, serving top-quality food in a friendly, family environment. He fed happy people at the Fenwick Restaurant in the south end of Halifax from the late 60’s until the mid-80’s. He then fed happy people in the north end at Jimmy’s Homestead Restaurant from the mid-80’s to the late aughts. (Many of his south end customers continued to come to the new location though, drawn to Jimmy’s & Donna’s playful banter and great food, along with happy, hungry people from all over who sometimes came from surprisingly far away.) Jimmy’s enjoyment in chatting with his customers was as authentic as the quality of his food, and his lively interactions will be fondly remembered by many, as will his home fries, haddock, cheeseburgers, and rice pudding.

Not taking his health lightly, Jimmy studied karate in the style of Chito-Ryu and attained his black belt in the early 80’s before ultimately acquiring his third degree black belt. He had his own karate club for several years in Bedford in the mid-80’s, and former students of Sensei Jimmy may have warm memories of that time. He was genuine with everyone, adults and children alike, and it made him a wonderful instructor.

Enjoying his well-earned retirement, Jimmy didn’t stop. He loved going to green, public places and chatting with anyone who wanted to share a smile or an anecdote. He had a flock of beautiful homing pigeons, he cooked fantastic meals all the time, and he & Donna kept a yard that would rival the Public Gardens.

Apart from his loving immediate family, wife Donna, daughter Tasia, and son-in-law Paul (who truly was Jimmy’s other ‘son’ in both of their hearts), Jimmy is also survived by his many nieces & nephews, and grand-nieces & grand-nephews.

Please join us in honouring Jimmy’s life as we say our goodbyes. Our hearts are filled with sadness, but thoughts of his stories and his smile bring a lightness that he would love.

He was a loving family man. He was a legend.

Miss you already, Dad.

A private service is being held beforehand, followed by the visitation where all are welcome. Tea & Coffee will be available at the visitation.

Visitation: Tuesday October 13th 2026 5:00pm - 8:00pm in JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax NS

Memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation.