James Botas

Jim was born on March 23, 1952 in the Bronx, New York to Michael and Dorothy Botas. Since the day he was born, he had a mind of his own and acted with determination. He loved having his YiaYia live with his family as he grew up. They developed a special relationship and bond.

Jim’s favorite memories as a kid were playing stickball in the street, going to the beach and riding the waves, teasing his younger sisters, Maria and Kathy and going to Yankee games.

Jim attended Trinity Pawley and, although academics were never his favorite, he loved athletics there, playing both baseball and football.

Jim went on to attend and graduate 1975 from St. John’s University with a bachelor’s degree in business. While at college, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, something he would battle throughout his life. Though he had this difficult diagnosis, he was able to really enjoy college and develop very close friendships that he cherished up to the day he passed.

In July 1980, he became a father to Jessica. He always said she was his pride and joy and he treasured being a dad. He loved taking her to the beach, playing miniature golf, coaching her T-ball team, trying to share his love for jazz music, eating Carvel ice cream and going to Yankees and Mets games together. Later in his life, he would regularly say that Jessica went to the “dark side” when she moved to Massachusetts and became a Red Sox fan.

Jim worked as an appraiser and he found that he not only enjoyed it, but was also very good at it. He had a great love for history and one of his favorite things about his work was learning the history of the buildings and areas that he’d appraise. Jim could tell you something about almost any building in NY.

Jim didn’t love going to school, but he had a very sharp mind and enjoyed learning. He would often add little-known facts to conversations, and was always learning more from the History Channel.

Jim was known for his story telling and would often repeat his favorites. One of his most common sayings was “to make a long story short” when wrapping up some of his longer explanations. His Greek heritage was important and special to Jim, and he wanted to share that with his family. He loved talking about his parents, his Yiayia, and others.

Jim had 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson. He didn’t go by “Grandpa”. He was referred to as “Papa Moon” because of one of his famous stories, originally shared with them by his brother-in-law Dean. When Jim was in college he was out driving around, with his friends in another car. He decided that (while still driving) he would “moon” his friend's car. Somehow, he managed to do this, but when he looked into the car next to him, he realized that he had just also mooned a car full of nuns. When his oldest granddaughter, Mckenzie was little, she was told the story. After the story, anytime she was asked who Jim was, she'd answer "Papa Moon". And when asked "and who does Papa moon?", she’d yell “nuns!” He loved spending time with them, especially at the beach or the zoo. He was so proud of each of them as he watched them learn and grow.

Anyone who knew Jim knew his favorite sport was baseball and had a deep-rooted love and knowledge of the New York Yankees! In fact, the last time he spent time with his daughter and grandson, they watched a game. He would regularly go back and forth with Jessica about the Yankees vs. the Red Sox, which usually included him referring to the Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz as "Big Poopy".

His life was filled with struggles, but he had an ability to endure and he lived the best life he could. Jim was smart, had a chocolate addiction, was tenacious, flirty (just ask the nurses), strong-willed, loving and just a little bit stubborn.

We will miss the father, papa moon (grandfather), brother, cousin and friend that he was. We are so blessed with memories of his unique sense of humor, his banter with anyone and everyone, his sharp mind, and his love for family, beach and the Yankees.

The family would like to give great thanks to Dr. Erica Carvalho who went above and beyond to show kindness, respect and compassion to Jim during his last months on earth. They would also like to thank all the nurses and staff at Calvary Hospital for their warmth and compassion.

Jim is survived by his loving daughter, Jessica (Daniel Wood), granddaughters Mckenzie (19), Abigail (17), Katherine (14), grandson Caleb (10), sisters Maria (Barry Spilka), Kathy (Dean Mitchell), nieces Kristen (Sean Scanlon), Lauren (John Dailey), nephew Bradley Spilka and grand-niece Norah Dailey, and many wonderful cousins. He is also survived by incredible friends who were always kept close and dear to his heart.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025. A viewing will be held at 9:30 am, followed by funeral services at 10:00 am at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 110 Cathedral Avenue Hempstead, NY. The burial will be held at St. Margaret’s Cemetery 1000 Washington Avenue Plainview, NY.