We send our condolences to the loved ones of all our beloved community members in their recent passing. May their memory be eternal.

James Vasilios Liapis

James Vasilios Liapis, 93, went home to be with the Lord on February 3, 2022. Jim was born on March 21,1928 in Mikro Horio, Evrytania, Greece. He was the son of the late Vasilios Liapis and the late Fotini Kostopoulos Liapis.
Jim’s parents raised him and his only sister, Helen, in the small village, Mikro Horio, across the street from the Hondros family. During the war, friends and family were separated from each other. Consequently, Jim left his village and began work as a butcher in Alexandria, Greece. He learned at a young age the importance of hard work. He later served in the Greek Army for three years, but his ultimate dream was to come to America. In the mid-1950s at the end of the Greek Civil War, James Hondros sponsored Jim to come to America to work with him in his restaurant. Shortly thereafter, he married his childhood friend, Olga Hondros, on April 28, 1957, in Leaksville, NC. Soon after, they moved to Burlington to build their lives together.
Jim and Olga’s life in America was a new beginning assimilating in a country in which they couldn’t speak the language. With unquestionable faith, perseverance, and an incredible work ethic, they worked together to grow their business, Boston Sandwich Shop. Known affectionately as “Mr. Jim” by his employees and many customers, he was well known and respected. Even more important than his work, Jim loved St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church. As a founding member, he served the church in every capacity. Jim was a man of few words yet shared so much wisdom. He lived a purpose-filled life and led by example. (Matthew 22:37-39) It was through his love and dedication that he and Olga raised their children to understand faith, humility, and hard work. Jim and Olga were married 61 wonderful years and now reunited for eternity.

Jim is survived by his children, Billy Liapis and wife Irene Trakas Liapis of Charlotte, Andy Liapis and wife Christine Papadis Liapis of Burlington, and Maria Liapis Small and husband Nick Small of Spartanburg; nine grandchildren, Andrew Small and wife Amanda Boyles Small, Katherine Liapis Granza and husband Alan Granza, Despina Small, Demetra Liapis Fogleman and husband Alex Fogleman, Maria Liapis, Anthony Liapis, Dimitri Liapis, Gregory Liapis and Christina Liapis; and five great grandchildren, Kennedy Small, Kaliopi Granza, Drew Small, Sophia Fogleman and Penelopi Granza.
Visitations will be at Rich and Thompson Funeral Home at 306 Glenwood Avenue, Burlington, NC from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, February 11, 2022, with the Trisagion service at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be held at 9:00am on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church at 2150 West Front Street, Burlington, NC. Rev. Father George Nayfa will be officiating both services. Interment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 1004, Burlington, NC 27216. May his memory be eternal.