Jim Maras

Dimitrios “Jim” Maras was born on June 14, 1940 in the Rizoupoli neighborhood of Athens, Greece to Evangelia (Panagiotakis) Marantidis and Anastasios Marantidis. Although he was a proud Athenian, he was an equally proud Pontic. The eldest of three brothers, Jim’s early years were marked by the hardships of World War II, which tested his resilience and deep faith. He often recalled the harrowing time when Nazi soldiers occupied his street–an encounter that took an unexpected turn when his mother offered them her homemade bean soup, prompting an officer to spare their home. Jim also fondly recounted his mischievous childhood adventures in Athens, such as sneaking into the movie theatres to watch Western films, skipping class to smoke cigarettes, throwing rocks at street lights and getting into the occasional fistfight with the neighborhood kids.

Though he was a bit of a rebel and the self proclaimed “coolest cat in town," he was determined to build a better future. At just 15, he began taking weekly English lessons with the dream of one day moving to America. In 1957, he joined the International Friendship League through the local library and was paired with an American pen pal, Virginia Nester, a high school student from Kansas City, Missouri. What began as a simple exchange of letters soon grew into something much more. In a twist of fate that would change both of their lives, Virginia’s family sponsored Jim’s immigration to the United States in 1959–a journey that marked the beginning of a lifelong love story.

Jim married his beloved pen-pal sweetheart, Virginia, in 1961 and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Their greatest joy in life came from raising their two daughters, Angie and Mary. As their family grew, so did Jim’s love. He welcomed each grandchild and great-grandchild with open arms and a full heart. One of his greatest pleasures was sharing his heritage with them, especially through summer trips to Greece, where he proudly introduced his children and grandchildren to the people, places and traditions that shaped him.

In 1959 shortly after immigrating, Jim began studying mechanical engineering at Kansas City Missouri Junior College but his plans were soon interrupted when he got married and was drafted into the US Army National Guard shortly afterward. Upon returning home, he shifted paths and pursued training as a mechanic. In 1968, Jim fulfilled a longtime dream by opening his own station, Mission Standard, which he operated alongside his business partner and dear friend, Gregg Gregory, for over 30 years. The success of the business not only provided for his family both in America and in Greece, but also made it possible for him and his family to spend cherished summers in Greece every other year, reconnecting with the loved ones he had left behind.

Jim was a founding member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where he actively participated in parish life and served faithfully on the parish council. He was also a proud member of AHEPA, committed to supporting Hellenic heritage. Jim played a role in the construction of the current church building, contributing his time and effort from the groundbreaking in 1973 through its opening in 1975–a project he remained deeply proud of throughout his life.

With a quick wit, a welcoming spirit and a deep love for celebration, he had a way of making every gathering unforgettable. He believed that life was meant to be shared and his home was always open–especially during his legendary Greek Easter (Pascha) celebration which he hosted for over 50 years. Friends, family and neighbors gathered annually for a feast featuring lamb roasted on a spit, traditional sides and plenty of beer and ouzo. It was more than just a meal; it was a reflection of Jim’s heart–big, bold and rooted in tradition. In May 2025, he had the joy of hosting one final Greek Easter at his home, surrounded by loved ones, laughter and the spirit of the life he so fiercely lived and shared.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Evangelia and Anastasios Marantidis, and his brothers, Giorgios Marantidis and Panagiotakis Marantidis. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Maras; his daughters, Angie (Ed) Valdez, and Mary (Jeff) Wilson; five grandchildren, Carynn (Preston) Felgate, Krista (Adam) Thies, Luke Wilson, Elizabeth Wilson and Hope Wilson; his great-grandchildren, Alexia (4), Niko (3) and Demi (5 months), as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in his homeland of Greece. May his memory be eternal.

The visitation will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 12001 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145, on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. A graveside service will take place at Park Lawn Cemetery, 8251 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138, at 12:30 pm. A Makaria Luncheon will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 1:30 pm.

Active pallbearers will be Luke Wilson, Dan Wilson, Jeff Wilson, Ed Valdez, Jesse Valdez, Mike Brenner, Preston Felgate, and Adam Thies. Honorary pallbearers will be Theophilos Tagtalianidis, Spiro Focas, Tom Gregory, and Niko Felgate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Donations can be made online at [this link](https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/W508GdgMGD2uZcIpXwTC4g).