Remembering Demitrios Panoulias 'Jimmy'

Peacefully at home on Monday November 22, 2021, at the age of 83. Jimmy Panoulias of Orillia, formerly of North Bay, beloved husband of Roula Panoulias. Loving father of Eleni Panoulias (Frank Cipolla), Polly Panoulias and Anastasia Panoulias. Loved grandfather of Dimitra and Alexa Grovestine and Tristan Cipolla. Son of the late Anastasios and Eleni Panoulias. Dear brother of the late George and Ageliki, the late Nick and surviving wife Helen, the late Maria and surviving spouse Peter Panaritis, Tony and wife Irene, Sam and wife Katherine and Taki. Jimmy along with wife Roula emigrated from Greece to Canada in 1965. They resided in North Bay, Ontario for close to 50 years. A true immigrant success story, Jimmy began working as a painting contractor and soon began running his own contracting business. Retiring early, Jimmy became a restaurateur at the age of 50 acquiring Peachy’s Pizza. He and his wife Roula ran the business and quickly endeared themselves as respected business owners in the community. Beloved by his patrons and staff, whom many became lifelong friends, they could often be found sitting around the dinner table as extended family at Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. In 2014, Jimmy and Roula relocated to Orillia, Ontario to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Even during his short time in Orillia, he touched many people’s hearts while dealing with his medical struggles. Jimmy was a quiet man of few words. He was thoughtful, introspective and kind to all who met him. Whether it be a brief exchange or lifelong friend, he left his mark as a man of strong character and integrity. Jimmy was a lover of history, a voracious reader, even delving into a few of Oprah’s book club selections. He was a relentless “tv news’ watcher often sitting through repeated segments throughout the day. His final days were surrounded by his loving wife Roula, children and grandchildren ensuring every final moment counted. Truly deserving of a 5-star rating, in the words of his grandchildren “you were as perfect as perfect can be”. We would like to thank the staff at Soldier Memorial Hospital, Bayshore Home Health, Dr. Bhatt and a special thank you to Dr. Harmathy for the multiple home visits. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and fondly remembered by his cousins, nephews, nieces and dearest friends. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595 on Friday November 26, 2021, from 6-8 P.M. Due to covid-19 restrictions and limited seating capacity at the church, the family will be holding a private funeral Mass. Interment will follow the mass at St. Andrew’s St. James’ Cemetery, Orillia. If desired, memorial donation to the Arthritis Society or to Holy Cross St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Barrie would be appreciated by the family.