Demetrius "Jim" Andressakis

Demetrius (Jim) Andressakis, 77, of Huntley, IL passed away on March 28, 2024. He was born November 22, 1946 in Galaxidi, Greece to Anargyros and Chrysoula. His father was a lighthouse keeper (a branch of the Greek Navy), as well as a fisherman. His mother lovingly raised him and his sister, Irini. She also acted as "first-mate" for all of the fishing activities that her husband engaged in. The family spent their summers at various lighthouses depending on where Anargyros was assigned. His mother was from a small seaside village and inherited land with olive orchards which the family harvested every fall to produce their own olive oil. Jim often scheduled his vacations in the fall to be there for olive picking. Even after he retired, he and Lois would go to help his sister and family during the olive harvest. Just like his father, Jim had a passion for fishing and a love of the sea. He continued in his father's footsteps when he inherited his father's fishing boat and nets.

Because of his love of the sea, he chose to serve in the Greek Navy. He later became a marine engineer working for the Onassis Shipping Company. While he was working in the Merchant Marine, his ship was docked in Aruba which is where he met his future wife, Lois. Jim eventually left the Merchant Marine and moved to Cleveland, OH. He and Lois were married December 28, 1973 and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Jim began working at Ford Motor Company Cleveland Engine Plant while completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Cleveland State University. He worked his way up to supervisor before retiring in 2003.

Jim's love for the sea didn't end when he left the Merchant Marine. He carried that passion with him and eventually he and Lois bought a sailboat and spent much of their free time sailing around Lake Erie with their dog, Boomer.

Jim and Lois were thrilled to start a family. Their daughters, Chrisoula and Katherina, mean the world to them. One of the most important things to Jim was that his children embrace their Greek heritage. They learned the language, the dances and the traditions going to Greek school. They frequently spent their summers in Galaxidi where they experienced the culture, spent time with their family and fell in love with the sea. Jim set high expectations for his daughters and was very involved in their school and athletic activities.

In later years, he became equally involved with his grandchildren, Lily, Andrew and Lucas. In 2014, he (Papou) and Lois moved from Avon, OH to Huntley, IL where they were able to share in their grand childrens' special occasions, and be part of their daily lives. He enjoyed teaching them about stock market investing, practicing Greek with them, playing games with them, and taking them to train displays! He was so proud of them for their school and extracurricular accomplishments. The grandchildren even learned to present their report cards to Papou who gave them money for their good grades.

Although Jim and Lois loved vacationing in Greece, after retirement, they began yearly cruises as well. This took them all over the world from Iceland to Antarctica and China to the Caribbean which brought their lives full circle back to Aruba, the place their life together had begun.

Jim and Lois live in Del Webb's Sun City, Huntley, IL. Jim loved the beautiful community and activities there. He especially enjoyed the ponds and lakes and miles of walking trails. He could be found early mornings in the lodge gym with the "morning crew". He was also an active member of the Computer Club. However, what Jim will mostly be remembered for, is being the founder of the Sun City Greek/American Club.

Jim was very active and did not enjoy sitting still. This character trait is what led him to fulfill one of his lifelong dreams. At age 60, he ran and completed the Athens Marathon, earning his medal. Three years later, on the 100th anniversary of the first ever Athens Marathon, he ran the 10K portion of the course with his daughter Katy.

Anything Jim had the ability to do himself, he did. He was a "jack of all trades". His skills ran the gamut from building doll houses and balance beams, to covered patios, sheds and sunrooms. He also loved gardening, building flower beds and landscaping. If something needed to be done for his family or friends, he would do it!

No one could have asked for a better husband, father (baba), grandpa (papou) or friend. His love knew no bounds. Although he is no longer physically with us, his essence, his energy and his love endure for they are intertwined with ours in eternal companionship. May we find peace knowing that his spirit walks alongside each and every one of us!

Demetrius (Jim) was preceded in death by his parents, Anargyros and Chrysoula and sister-in-law, Marilyn. He is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters, Chrisoula and Katherina; son-in-law, Michael; grandchildren, Lillian, Andrew and Lucas; sister, Irini; brother-in-law, Thomas; sister-in-law, Judy; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation and prayer service (Trisagion) will be held at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin, IL on Friday, April 12th from 3pm to 5:30pm.

To fulfill Jim's wishes, he will be flown back to his beloved village, Galaxidi, Greece for his funeral and burial on April 20th.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to:

St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church St., Elgin, IL (saintsophiaelgin.com) or Tunnels to Towers Foundation (T2T.org)

Arrangements by Demeros Funeral and Cremation Services. For more information, please call 847-302-7176