Obituary of Demetrios Ballas

Demetrios Antonios Ballas ?Jimmy? Demitrios Jimmy Ballas passed away at his home on Monday, September 21st. He was born on December 15th, 1927 in Paparousion, Evrytania, Greece with seven brothers and sisters. He survived the trials and tribulations of Nazi & Italian occupation during WWII followed by a seven year civil war in Greece including being held as a prisoner of war during the communist insurgencies. He survived mass executions and firing squads and finally escaped with his life and the lives of his loved ones and immigrated to the United States. He made his home in Charlotte, NC in 1955 and held one of his greatest honors as becoming an American Citizen in 1958. In 1956, he married his loving wife of 53 years, Angela Karras Ballas and they had four children together. Mr. Ballas became a successful restaurateur and business entrepreneur and opened several landmark restaurants in Charlotte, including the Copal Grill, Liberty Bell and Pappanick?s. Though not formally educated, he was well-read in philosophical, business, religious studies and research. He was an engaging storyteller, a detailed historian and a stickler for punctuality (a trait he did not pass on to his eldest son, which is why the funeral is on Saturday). He was also a jokester (a trait he did pass on to his other three children). His hearty ?Barney Rubble? laugh was positively infectious. Mr. Ballas was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral; Evrytanian Association of America, Past National and local officer; AHEPA; and the Charles M. Setzer Masonic Lodge. In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening and had a natural green thumb; and he especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife and best friend Angela; his son, Anthony J. Ballas of Alexandria Va.; son Nickolas J. Ballas and wife Kiki of Charlotte; daughter Teresa B. Meletiou and husband Dr Jim Meletiou of Davidson; and son Dr. John J. Ballas and wife Donna of Charlotte. He adored his five little ?angels?, granddaughters Angelika, Jaimee and Sydney Ballas; Arianna and Gabriella Meletiou. He is also survived by three sisters: Maria Tsiamis and Alice Drosinis, both of Charlotte; and Fotini Vonortas of Athens Greece. He was preceded in death by his parents Antonios and Theodora Balatsias, his brothers Kleomenis Balatsias of Charlotte, John Balatsias of Sydney Australia, Aristoteli Balatsias of Greece. The trisagion will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25th, 2009 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th, also at the Cathedral with Father Michael Varvarelis, Father Efstathios Varvarelis and Father Tommy Vlahos officiating. Pallbearers will be Terry Balatsias, Johnny Balatsias, Lambros Balatsias, Phillip Triantis, Gus Ballas and Jimmy Tsiamis In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Foundation, 600 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 or Panagyia Prousiotissa Chapel, Weddington, NC / Evrytanian Association, 121 Greenwich Road Suite 212, Charlotte, NC 28211.