Born on October 26, 1929, in Zeli, Greece, Jim left Greece in 1955 and made his home in northwest Indiana. Jim met his wife, Kathy (Katina) Sellis, at a church dance, and they were married in 1959. Jim and Kathy operated Kathy’s Coffee Shop in Lansing, IL, for many years and later enjoyed retirement living in Florida for the last 20 years. Jim lived the American Dream.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Kathy Sellis Coulis, daughter Theodora Thanas and son-in-law Tom of Bradenton, daughter Toni Dragatsis of Denver, grandchildren Kathleen Thanas of Naples, FL, Toni Thanas Spodarek and her husband Robert Spodarek of Bradenton, Marina Dragatsis of Chicago, and Christo Dragatsis of Denver. During Jim’s last year of life, he enjoyed the company of his great-grandson Tommy Spodarek. Jim is also survived by a sister, Georgia (Peter) Katsaros, and in-laws Sylvia (late Theophanis) Coulis, Kostoula (late Andonis) Gamilis, Maria (Gus) Sirounis, Peter (Andrea) Sellis, Anna (late William) Kokotis, and George (late Faye) Sellis. Jim is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Elias and Theodora Kyriacoulis, sister Demetra and brother-in-law John Svarnas, brother Theophanis Coulis, and brother John and sister-in-law Ntina Coulis.
Jim and Kathy were active members of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Hammond, IN, and lived in Munster, IN, where they raised their daughters. When Jim and Kathy moved to Florida, they became active parishioners at the Holy Spirt Orthodox Church in Venice and St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church in Sarasota.
Visitation for Jim will be Monday, November 22, 2021, at St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church at 7671 North Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Greek Orthodox funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at St. Barbara’s Church. Interment will follow at the Palm-Robarts Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church or the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church in Venice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the Coulis family.
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