James George Haidas

James George Haidas of Osterville, MA passed away the morning of Friday, December 18, 2015. He was home, as he wished, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Worcester, MA to Angelo C. Haidas and Frances Mitrokostas Haidas, he graduated from Worcester Academy, Colby College, and received his MBA from Cornell University.

After graduation, he worked as a financial analyst for Equitable Companies, Inc. and Tsai Management in Manhattan. Jim later partnered with his brother, Connie Haidas, and Samuel Ungerleider, to form Ungerleider Haidas, a full-service Wall Street brokerage firm. After nearly 15 years of living in New York City and working on Wall Street, he returned to Cape Cod. In 1976, he and his brother Connie began building the first of three Cooke's Seafood restaurants. He married Frances (Bitsikas) Haidas in New Orleans and they made their home in West Harwich. In 1979 and 1980, they welcomed their sons, Van and Michael Haidas.

Jim had a successful career in finance, restaurants, and real estate, but what mattered most to him was family. He filled his home with laughter and the sound of his beautiful piano playing. A true epicure and an accomplished cook, he loved good food, French wine, cigars, and the pleasure of enjoying those with loved ones. His favorite days were spent boating on the Outlook with his family and friends.

Aided by his incredible wife and partner, Frances, he displayed great courage and self-discipline for over twenty years with kidney and, later, cardiac disease - never complaining and living a full life. Jim saw both his sons marry, and loved the women they chose, Erica (Tso) Haidas and Vivian (Siempos) Haidas. He was overjoyed at the arrival of his first grandchild, Zoe, and at the news of his second. He delighted in seeing his sons follow in his footsteps in the restaurant business. His family is blessed to have had him as husband, father, grandfather, best friend, and mentor. Jim's infectious laugh and sharp wit will be missed by all.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 from 4 to 7pm at Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home on West Main Street, Hyannis, and funeral services at 10am on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Centerville. Burial will follow at Island Pond Cemetery in Harwich.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim's memory to The Needy Fund of the Cape Cod Times, PO Box 36, Hyannis, MA 02601, and Brigham and Women's Cardiac Amylodosis Program, c/o the Development Office, 116 Huntington Avenue, 5th floor, Boston, MA 02116.