James grew up in Lowell and graduated from the Lowell Trade High School. He served his country in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged. After his time in the service, he met his wife Elaine Karafelis and spent 68 loving years of marriage together until her passing in 2023. He enjoyed rooting for his favorite New England sports teams, coaching the St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church basketball team, and 10 pin bowling with his son George in the local bowling league. James was a kind and generous man who loved everyone in his life, welcomed everyone into his home, and most of all loved his family.
James is survived by his daughter Kris Girouard of Nashua; son William Karafelis and his wife Donna of NY, George Karafelis of Nashua; grandchildren Katherine, William, Isaac, and Jacob; and great grandchildren Alexis and Maelynn. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years Elaine Karafelis; son James “Jimmy” Karafelis Jr.; brothers Arthur Karafelis, Harry Karafelis, Alex Karafelis; and sisters Magdeline Visniewski, Eva Karafelis, and Helen Willey.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Zis-Sweeney & St. Laurent Funeral Home, 26 Kinsley Street, Nashua, NH. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church, 500 W. Hollis St, Nashua, NH, with burial to immediately follow at Westlawn Cemetery, 215 Boston Rd., Lowell, MA.
Contributions in James' memory may be made to Home Health and Hospice, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH. https://www.hhhc.org/how-to-help/options-for-giving/.
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Home Health and Hospice 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, New Hampshire
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