James Robert Niarchos

Jim was born July 29, 1955, in Columbus, Indiana, to Charles and Kathleen Nearhouse.

Jim graduated from Largo High School (Florida) where he earned a full football scholarship to Westmar College (Iowa). Jim returned to Florida where he married Kalleope (Kally) Demetrius in Tarpon Springs, Florida in 1981. Jim began his lifelong career at Southern Bell Company (later BellSouth and now AT&T), which led the couple to South Florida where they welcomed their three eldest daughters. Excelling in his role at the company, prompted a move in 1987 to BellSouth Headquarters in Atlanta while living in Marietta, GA.

In Marietta, Jim’s career continued to flourish, as he worked tirelessly to support his family. He was the recipient of numerous accolades for his many achievements and was consistently recognized in the President’s Club as the top sales professional. After retirement from AT&T in 2008, he started his own consulting firm, The Niarchos Group, where he continued to provide valuable marketing services and expertise to his many clients. He also served as the co-host of the All Four Seasons Home Show, a weekly radio show that aired across metro Atlanta.

Jim was very proud of his Greek (Maniates) heritage and Greek Orthodox faith. Together, with his wife, he was the steering committee president working towards starting another Greek Orthodox Church in metro Atlanta. This resulted in the founding of Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta, GA now over 35 years old. Jim played an active role in the new community, serving also as the first president of its Parish Council and volunteered countless hours, including at numerous festivals. It brought him great joy that his youngest and fourth daughter was baptized in the church he helped form. Jim also established the first AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) chapter at Holy Transfiguration. He held positions as president and district governor, attending conventions across the country.

Jim had an outgoing and charismatic personality and was a man of many talents and interests. He loved sports (Go BAMA, Georgia Tech and Packers!), was an avid weightlifter, a motorcycle enthusiast and a talented musician. He played the guitar and keyboards, and he was the lead singer of “The Boomers”, a classic 60s Rock and Roll band he organized. Jim was also a member of both the American Legion and the Moose Lodge where he had many cherished friendships. Jim was a loving father and "Papou” to his grandchildren. He loved family gatherings and holidays, especially Christmas. As a self proclaimed external illumination expert and president of the Clark Griswold fan club, his passion for installing outdoor Christmas decorations made local newspapers. He was always one to remember special days, including birthdays, namedays, and anniversaries.

In his later years, Jim continued to live a vibrant life even while facing several serious health diagnoses, including an aggressive form of cancer. With the loving help of his significant other, Arla Hollingsworth, he took on and beat the disease. Jim and Arla found a great community at Lake Arrowhead and shared wonderful experiences with many dear friends.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Nicholas Nearhouse, and his sister, Sharon Raye Rodak. He is survived by his daughters, Katina (Giannis), Christina, Maria (Steve), and Sofia (Domenic); his grandchildren, Kalleope, Niko, Dimitri, Stavros, Alexi, and Kalliope; and his cherished German Shepherd, Athina.

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Rd, Marietta, GA 30066, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM. In order to continue Jim’s legacy in the growing of Holy Transfiguration, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Jim to the Iconography Fund.