He was born on July 6, 1933 in Keene, the son of George John and Mary G. (Megalogenis) Bardis. He attended Keene schools and graduated from Keene High School in 1952.
He served in the US Navy for a period of four years with an honorable discharge, serving during the Korean War. He attained the rank of SK2 being responsible for ordering supplies while he served on the USS Bushnell, which was a submarine tender with home base in Key West, FL. He also served in Boston, MA as a part of the Harbor Patrol. Before being assigned to the USS Bushnell he attended store-keeping school in Newport, RI. After his discharge, James worked in the family business as well at American Optical Company.
He attended Worcester Junior College majoring in business. James then transferred to Keene State College and received his Bachelor of Education Degree. Upon graduation in January of 1962, he was offered a teaching position for the rest of the year at Cutler School in West Swanzey. The following year he returned to Cutler where he was employed for 33 years. After retirement James worked at WS Badger Company in Gilsum. He was fondly known there as “Uncle Jim”.
James married Jane Willard of Harrisville on February 13, 1954. They had met at Keene High School. One of their biggest enjoyments was living in the oldest house in the City of Keene. Jane passed away in 1984.
James was a lifelong member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Keene.
He was an avid sports fan and participant. He was a fan of all of the professional teams from the Boston area and played softball in Keene and with the Senior League. He enjoyed woodworking and crafted many birdhouses and wishing wells.
James was loved by all and was happiest when surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren – his greatest accomplishment and legacy. He will be fondly remembered as a nurturing, kind, and gentle soul.
James will be greatly missed by his children: Mary Holbrook and her husband John of Keene, NH, Timothy Bardis and his wife Lisa of Swanzey, NH, and Linda Nowill and her husband Gary Dubois of Spofford, NH; grandchildren: Seth Mitchell, Sarah Owusu, Jennifer Humphrey, Kelly Castor, Michelle Nowill, Kristin Nowill, Danny French, and Bryan French; great-grandchildren: Alaina, Addison, Maxwell, Miles, Brooke, Hannah, Joe, Gabriella, and Lucas; sisters: Sonia Pelekis of Haworth, NJ, Marjorie Kanakis and her husband Solon of Newport, NH, and Helen Brountas of Bangor, ME.
He was predeceased by his wife: Jane Bardis; siblings: John Bardis, Evelyn Bacopulos, Velma Rowe, Katherine Maydwell; and brothers and sister-in-laws: Marion Bardis, Andrew Pelekis, George Bacopulos, Richard Rowe, David Maydwell, and Nicholas Brountas.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 10:30 am at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 70 West Street, Keene, NH. Burial will follow at Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Ave, Keene, NH.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in Mr. Bardis’ memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 70 West Street, Keene, NH 03431.
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