Cover photo for James Davilas's Obituary
James Davilas Profile Photo
1937 James 2025

James Davilas

September 6, 1937 — January 17, 2025

Downey

In Loving Memory of Jim (Nicholas) Davilas July 22, 1937 – January 17, 2025 Jim (Nicholas) Davilas was born on July 22, 1937, in Ahlathokabos, Greece, to Nicholas and Georgia Davilas. He was the beloved brother of Penelope and Ionnis.

In 1956, at the age of 17, Jim made the courageous decision to leave Greece due to the challenges of World War II. He embarked on the USS Queen Frederica, arriving in Ellis Island, New York, before settling with his aunt and uncle in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There, he worked as a bartender in their cocktail bar. Years later Jim moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he lived with another aunt and uncle and eventually opened his own restaurant and bar.

After a harsh winter and the challenges of running his business, Jim decided to seek new opportunities in California. He began working in a fast-food restaurant before finding a career in the meat distribution industry. His hard work and entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own successful meat distribution company.

With his business thriving, Jim decided to focus on building a family. He met Demitra (Dimopoulos), and it was love at first sight. Just three days later, they were married—a love story that lasted 59 beautiful years. Together, they built a life centered on love and family, raising four daughters and cherishing six grandchildren: Georgia (Archie), Maria, Bessie (Mike), Dimitri, Nicholas, Nicki (Nick), Dimitra, Dina (Harold), Nicki, and Katerina.

Jim was a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox Church and one of the founding members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Downey, California. He played a key role in fundraising efforts and organized the church’s first New Year’s Eve party, bringing together parishes from across the community. His generosity extended beyond the church, as he supported numerous children’s charities both in the United States and abroad.

In addition to his philanthropy, Jim was a successful businessman and real estate developer, purchasing and developing several properties over the years. Yet, his greatest pride was his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law. Jim dedicated his life to caring for his family, both in the United States and Greece, always ensuring their well-being and happiness.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, Jim passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 87. Jim’s legacy of love, hard work, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Davilas, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Trisagion

Monday, January 27, 2025

7:00pm - 8:00 am (Pacific time)

Saint George Church - Downey, CA

10830 Downey Avenue, Downey, CA 90241

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Funeral Service

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Pacific time)

Saint George Church - Downey, CA

10830 Downey Avenue, Downey, CA 90241

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Graveside Service

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Pacific time)

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