James Demetras

It is with great sadness we report that James Demetras passed away Wednesday evening, August 2nd. A life-long resident of Cape Cod, he succumbed to a prolonged illness at age 72. Son of Ross and Mary Demetras (nee Vomvouras), he is survived by his older brother Nick, first cousins Ione Wilsmann, Stephanie Vomvouras, Dimitri Vomvouras, Penny Bartis and Irene Salamone, former wife Cheryl Kimberley, many cousins and many close friends.

Jim was born at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. In his early life, he and his family lived in Falmouth, then moved to Orleans in the early 1960s. Jim graduated from Nauset Regional High School in 1969 where he was the Student Council President and played on the basketball and baseball teams. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York. Shortly after graduation, he married Cheryl.

In the eighties, Jim and Cheryl operated popular Cobie’s restaurant in Brewster in conjunction with a mobile food truck, “Jimmy’s Curbside” – but Jim’s true love was sailing. His first sailboat was one he rebuilt in high school before moving to larger boats. He sailed up and down the East coast and was known to take risks that at times alarmed his family. Ultimately, he became a professional sailor and earned a captain’s license. His work for many years included sailing charter boats in the Caribbean. He could handle virtually any sailing situation.

Jim’s two other notable passions were bicycling and skiing. In the 60s, his first bike was a high-speed Peugeot Street bike which he rode well before sophisticated bicycles became popular. In the seventies he was a bicycle messenger in New York City, which he said was his favorite job. Bikes were his preferred mode of transportation locally and he also took long-distance tours into neighboring states. Jim was also a very experienced skier. He developed a love of the sport in Bregenz, Austria where he completed his junior year of college abroad at Wagner College. He became so accomplished that he would ski runs and trails that few of his friends enjoyed, again taking risks others were not comfortable taking.

Jim embraced life with a passion. Always up for a challenge, he embraced risk, but had great judgement and was never foolhardy. He showed great care and compassion for others, supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders and Independence House, which he supported by donating hotel rooms to abused women. A dedicated son, he devoted many years to the care of his mother Mary who passed at age 103. He positively impacted many people in his life and had many friends including longtime friend Kelly Coughlin who selflessly supported him during his illness. He will be missed. May his memory be eternal.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, August 18th from 10 to 11 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Centerville. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM. Burial will take place in Mosswood Cemetery, Cotuit.