James Nicholas “Jim” Panagopoulos, 84, passed away peacefully at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, Del., on May 26, 2016, with his family keeping him close in their hearts. He was born July 1, 1931, in Albany, N.Y.
Panagopoulos graduated from Albany High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army for three years. He received his architecture license after attending Hudson Valley Community College and RPI. He worked for the State University Construction Fund and was chief estimator for the Office of General Services, State of New York, retiring in 1994.
Panagopoulos was known as a spirited, passionate man who jumped into life with vigor. He could tell a good joke, knew how to place a bet at the horse races and was an expert at treating his family and friends to many good times. He made the world’s best baklava, according to a 2009 article in the Washington Post, and anyone who mentioned that they liked the decadent dessert could count on at least a dozen for a Christmas gift.
Panagopoulos was proud of his many architectural structures, including his role on the design team for Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Albany. He was also just as proud of the houses, additions and decks he designed for his friends and family, just because they asked.
Panagopoulos loved the New York Yankees, New York Giants, politics, his kids, grandkids and great-grandson. He loved humanity and believed that we all needed to take care of each other, whether it be family or strangers. He loved his wife, Marilyn, dearly, and their welcoming home in Bethany Beach, Del. His quick wit, giving nature and deep compassion for others will be missed by many.
Panagopoulos was preceded in death by his son, John James Panagopoulos; his parents, Nicholas and Catherine Panagopoulos; and his nephew, Ted Condos. He is survived by his caring wife of 21 years, Marilyn Panagopoulos. They were married in Delmar, N.Y., in April of 1995 and enjoyed a fun-filled life with their family and friends. He is also survived by his daughters, Cathy Hinds and her husband, James, and Peggy Morehouse; his son, Nicholas Panagopoulos and his significant other, Cynthia DeViddio; his grandchildren, Adam Panagopoulos and his significant other, Erin O’Donnell, Jessica Panagopoulos, Alex Hinds, Laura Hinds, Max Morehouse and his wife, Sarah, and Gregory Morehouse; great-grandson, Nicholas James Panagopoulos; sister, Achreve Condos; and niece, Paula Condos Miller.
A celebration of life will be held at the Panagopoulos residence in Bethany Beach, Del., on Sunday, June 12, 2016, from 2 to 4 p.m. The funeral service was scheduled for June 2 at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, Albany, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.