Obituary of Jim Kokonas

Dimitrios (Jim) Kokonas passed away peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2013 at Regina, Saskatchewan. Born May 2, 1926 in Kastri, Kynourias, Greece, Jim immigrated to Canada in 1952. Soon after he came to Regina, Jim owned and operated the Bright Spot Cafe on 11th Avenue together with his cousin George Diamond, until 1973. Together, they also owned and operated the Flamingo Restaurant on 15th Avenue and Albert Street for several years. After the Bright Spot burned down in 1973, he continued to work in the restaurant industry at Venice House and The Elephant and Castle Restaurants, until retirement. He enjoyed spending time in his garden and with his granddaughters. He was an active member of St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church and served on the Community Council for many years. He was a very proud husband, father and grandfather. Predeceased by his parents George and Constantina Kokonas; brothers, Nickolas, Theodoros (Katina), Kostas, Paul (Katina), Antonios (Georgia); sister Helen (Kostas) Korolis; nephew George P. Kokonas, brothers-in-law, George (Marty) Karahalios and Louis Perentes; Jim is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Lamprine; son George; daughter Dena (Darren) Varley and his precious granddaughters, Christy and Maria; sisters-in-law, Vasiliki Kokonas, Irene Perentes, Aspasia (Nikos) Roumeliotis; brother-in-law Lyle (Cassandra) Karahalios; and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and Greece. Prayers will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, with the Funeral Service to take place Monday, November 4, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Church, with Rev. Fr. Spyridon Vandoros officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. Friends so wishing, may make donations in memory of Jim, to St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3000 Argyle Road, Regina SK S4S 2B2. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com