James was born September 12, 1943 in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Bertha Haramis and Peter George Vlahakis.
He proudly worked as a waiter at Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida. James graduated from the University of Tampa, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. He also earned a Master’s of Business Administration from Samford University.
James married Kenneth Anne Melton in 1965 in Birmingham, Alabama. They were married for 60 years. He proposed on their 4th date.
James worked as a Chemical Engineer in the newspaper industry for over 40 years, including Kimberly-Clark in Childersburg, Alabama and Bear Island in Doswell, Virginia.
James especially loved football and playing golf. He was a huge University of Alabama fan.
Remaining to cherish James’s memory are wife, Kenneth Anne Vlahakis; children, Peter Vlahakis, Pamela Schisler (Steven), Thomas Vlahakis, Tina Garcia (Jose); and grandchildren, Stephanie Schisler, Elizabeth Schisler, Steven Schisler, Hunter Vlahakis, Blake Vlahakis, Isla Garcia, and Macon Garcia.
Viewing will be held August 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, with funeral services held at 1:00 PM. He will be buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama.
