Jim Papadea

Surviving are his son, Jim Papadea, his wife Maggie, their children Ash and Mada, and his daughter Kate Papadea, both of Columbia, SC. His sister Christine Papadea, of Murrell's Inlet, SC. His late brother, Nick Papadea and late sister-in-law Mary, of Columbia. And his nephew Nicholas Papadea, his wife Meredith, and their children Ella Marina and Nicholas.

Jim graduated from the University of South Carolina, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration in 1967 and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He enjoyed a career in commercial real estate at Eden's Real Estate Company for 20 years while also becoming a member of Columbia's City Council from 1986-2004.

Jim was born and raised in Columbia, SC and throughout his life contributed to the community in very meaningful ways. He helped organize May Fest, the Greek Festival, and played a vital role in creating parks and playgrounds for the people of the community. He was also on the Board of Trustees for the Carolina Children's Home.

He also loved the beach. He split his time between Garden City and Columbia. He volunteered at Brookgreen Gardens as a Handy Vol and loved to spend time with family and friends as well.

He was a pilot, sea boat captain, and savvy business man who enjoyed deep sea fishing, scuba diving - especially in the Cayman Islands, traveling, woodworking, overall, just being a great handyman, but his greatest enjoyment was being a loving and beloved father.

He was known by his grandchildren as "Pop" and he was truly admired by them. On any given holiday he showed up with bags of goodies and the children would search him before he could get through the door.

Jim was a wonderful man who listened when others talked, helped his community, enjoyed life, and will be missed by all, especially his two children.

Trisagion Prayers will be at 11:00 am Monday, March 31, 2025 immediately followed by a funeral service at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Chapel, 1931 Sumter Street, with a private burial in Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com