Our father was a true hero and a great, great man. It is an honor and a pleasure to be his children. We will strive to be like him every day of our lives. He loved us deeply and he taught us how to treat one another by the way he loved and treated our mother. He taught us how to be compassionate as we watched him care for his own father and anyone else who was fortunate enough to have him in their lives. It is a wonder that his heart fit inside of his chest it was so big and full of love. We never doubted his love for us, because he told us how he felt every single day with words, by the way he treated us and how he couldn't do enough for us. It made him so happy to see us happy. If every child in this world could grow up with a father like James Kaikis, this world would be a better place. We thank GOD for choosing us to be blessed with this beautiful, wonderful man as our father.
James P. Kaikis, 1725 Memorial Drive Farrell, PA passed away peacefully at 11:15 am Monday, December 22, 2008, in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh. He was 82.
Mr. Kaikis was born April 29,1926 in Farrell, PA a son of the late Peter and Eva (Colletti) Kaikis.
A 1944 Alumnus of Farrell High School, Mr. Kaikis enlisted in the US Army immediately following graduation. He served in World War II with the 157th Regiment, 45th infantry division. A Decorated veteran, he was awarded The Bronze Star, The Combat Infantry's Badge, The European Campaign Medal, The Victory Medal, A Medical Medal and a good conduct badge.
On January 17th, 1948 Mr. Kaikis married his childhood sweetheart and love of his life, the former Norma Branca. They were married by Fr. Joseph Ciaola at the former St. Anthony's Church, Farrell, one of the churches that later became Our Lady Of Fatima. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on January 17th, 2008.
In the early 1950's Mr. Kaikis served the City of Farrell as the City Assessor and the acting Health Officer. He also was one of the acting organizers of the Mercer County Young Democrats and served as an officer. In the 1960's, 70's and 80's, he served on the Farrell Panning Commission, The Home Rule Charter Committee, The Charter Study Commission, the Farrell Area School Authority Board and was a member of the Mercer County Democratic Committee. More recently he was the Farrell City Treasurer for twelve years, retiring at the end of 1995.
Mr. Kaikis also served as a long time umpire for the Farrell Little League and then for the Farrell-Wheatland Little League even when he had no children of his own playing. He really enjoyed being a little league umpire and working with the youngsters and treating winners and losers alike to the concession stand.
Mr. Kaikis received a B.S. In Education from Youngstown State University and an Associate Degree in Accounting from La Salle University in Philadelphia, PA. He also took graduate Classes at Kent State University. He was employed at Youngstown State University as an instructor for five years and also as an English teacher in the Farrell Area School District for several years.
A land developer and business man, Mr. Kaikis owned and operated the Pepsi Cola Distributing Company of Mercer County on Idaho Street in Farrell. He owns The Kaikis Plaza on North Hermitage Road in Hermitage and Crestview Acres in Shenango Township. He also donated 27 acres of land to the Mercer County Council of Government (COG) for a softball complex.
He was an active member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Farrell. He served on the Fatima Church Council, was a member of the Holy Name Society and a church usher. He also belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, The Italian American War Vets, The AARP and The Order of AHEPA. On June 2, 2001, Mr. Kaikis was inducted into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame by Governor Ton Ridge and by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, sponsored by Representative Michael Gruitza. To be inducted into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame means that you have to have voted in every general election for 50 consecutive years or more.
Jim loved people young and old. He never met a person he didn't like. He always had a warm smile, a friendly welcome and handshake for everyone. You would never meet a more loyal, caring and giving friend whether they were shut-in at home, in the hospital or nursing home he would be the first one there to offer love and support. Jim will be truly missed. He was special to all that knew him, and they were special to him. Jim's grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed making special memories with them. Papu Jim was a wonderful, loving, caring and affectionate papu and his grandchildren loved playing cards with him, as well as baseball, pool and bocce. Papu Jim enjoyed the many family get togethers at his home and the homes of his children, and the many family vacations that all 26 went on through the years to Myrtle Beach, Ocean City and California. It was the highlight of his life.
Surviving are his wife Norma, whom Jim loved, cherished, adored and respected with all his heart. Two sons, Peter and his wife Darlene, Henderson, Nevada, Thomas and his wife Philomena, West Middlesex, PA. Three daughters: JoLynn and her husband Nicholas Hoban, Nevillewood, PA, Paula and her husband Daniel Kirsch, Hermitage, PA, and Linda and her husband Dr. Timothy Hoban, Cranberry, Butler County, PA. Fourteen grandchildren that loved and adored him and will cherish every memory: Tom Kaikis, Zachary Kaikis, Philip Kaikis, Jimmy Kaikis, Christopher Kaikis, Nick Hoban, Jodie Hoban, Brosnan Hoban, Jamie Kirsch, Daniel Kirsch, Alexander Kirsch, Timmy Hoban, Norah Hoban and Ashley Hoban.
A special sister Annette Karas, Baltimore, Maryland and two loving brothers and sisters-in-law Ted Theodorou and his wife Helene San Bernardino, California, and Dr. Anthony Theodorou and wife Georgia, Rialto, California, and many very special nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a step-father George Theodorou whom he greatly admired, a grandson Brendan Hoban, a brother John Theodorou that he looked up to, a brother-in-law Michael Karas, and his wife's parents Domenic and Josephine Branca who were a very important part of his life.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 701 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, PA 16121
Calling hours will be from 1-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday (12-28-08) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.
Friends may email condolences at www.mcgoniglefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday (12-29-08) in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant.
Interment: St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Farrell.