James Karolides
February 16, 2012
James Karolides, 78, formerly of Middleton and Danvers, peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2011. He was the husband of Nancy (Johnson) Karolides with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Peabody on September 17, 1933, he was the son of Muriel (Herrick) Karolides of Danvers and the late John Karolides. Jim graduated in 1953 from Holten High School in Danvers. He went on to proudly serve his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged. Jim was a Danvers Police officer until 1969 and then worked as a federal agent for the Bureau of ATF until his retirement in 1989. After his retirement Jim operated a private detective business and pursued music. He partnered with Lou Silvestri to create the band, “Style is Back in Style,” and delighted music aficionados with his voice and anecdotes. Jim was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Danvers, Daylight Lodge of Beverly, and Middleton Kiwanis. He is survived by his seven children, Candice McGann of Brockton, Dawn of Danvers, James, Jr. and wife Debera of Sammamish, WA, Tyra of Beverly, Robyn Picillo of Danvers, Matthew of Peabody and Mark and his wife Brenda Karolides of Peabody; his grandchildren, Ileath Bridges, Kara and Brianne McGann, Cherish Goodman, Samantha, David & Trento Picillo, Mary, Anna, Malica Allen, Meaghan, Jonathan, Katelyn, Christian, Nicole and Ryan Karolides. He is also survived by his sisters, Sue Gehling and Priscilla Herrick of Danvers, and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph and William Karolides. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 9AM in the Calvary Episcopal Church, corner of Cherry & Holten Sts., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours are Friday from 4-8PM in C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Troop Support, 16 Trinity St., Danvers, MA 01923.
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My wife and I were saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. While I didn’t work with Jim, I was an ATF agent in St. Louis about the same period of time that Jim served on the east coast. We met Jim at an ATFAR convention several years ago. He gave me a cd of his music. Later we had the pleasure of seeing him perform in Rhode Island with his partner, Lou. I don’t need to tell you that Jim was a very affable and generous gentleman. The world is poorer for his loss. I look forward to seeing him again as he plays in a heavenly orchestra. God’s blessings to your family in your time of mourning. Bob & Mary Beattie
You will live on forever in our hearts! We Love You
To Nancy and the entire family, I spent a lot of time with Jim during the last ten years, and I owe him a lot. I had known Jim since 1969 as a well respected professional. But in these last years I came to see what a wonderful family man he was, as well as a friend to so many people. Anyone who met Jim came to respect him for his knowledge and his ethics, and they wanted him as a friend forever. Jan and Frank
Jim was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor, a strong family man and also an excellent special agent. He will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to Nancy, children, grand children and family of James. I worked with James quite frequently at the ATF academy, he was knowledgeable, sincere, and dedicated in his law enforcement career, and impacted many young men and women with his experience, expertise, and techniques. He was a joy to work with and a good friend. James was good to keep me posted on his musical endeavors after his retirement. We will truly miss him, and humbly request he watch over and guide us in our quest for the goal he has attained. Lour Love and Prayers Patrick and Gina Kelly.
Nancy and family, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Love and prayers, Alice Lipinski Tierney
Nancy and family, Jimmy is going to be so missed by so many people. Please know that you have another “family” with ATFAR and our prayers are with you each day. We loved you two and we love you. Neta
I had the pleasure of knowing Jim for many years. We had the opportunity to work together when he was a federal agent with ATF and I worked in the US Attorney’s Office. He always had a smile on his face and brought a smile to mine as well. Many years later, Jim was working as a private detective with Frank Hart and worked many cases for Davis, Robinson & Molloy – for whom I now work. Again, no matter how many health issues, always the smile and a good word. I even had the pleasure of hearing him sing, as the office went to a venue where his group was performing. I also have a CD to listen to and cherish.
I WENT TO TREASURY SCHOOL WITH JIM IN WASHINGTON D.C. HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND LOVED LIFE. SOUNDS LIKE HE HAD GOOD CAREER WITH ATF, AND AFTER. HE’LL BE MISSED. GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY. MIKE GALGANO ATF, NY (RETIRED)
Nancy and Family, Jim was a wonderful person,once you met him, you never forgot him. Still listen to his DC’s. Can just see him and Ed together. What a pair. Our sincere symnpathy to you and the family. Sincerely, Joan Hoban and family
My deepest condolences. Jim was truly one of a kind, well liked and appreciated by all who worked with him. Rest in peace my brother.
I’m going to miss the music we made together and our great friendship.
Nancy & family, you have our deepest sympathy and condolences. We feel much richer in life to have known him. As part of the “ATF explosives family”, I always enjoyed recalling career moments with him. Jim & Nancy were two people who we always looked forwrd to seeing at the ATFAR conventions. Cheryl especially remembers him for a huge act of kindness to her in Oklahoma City. We shall never forget him as he looks down upon us. God bless to you all.
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Enjoyed knowing Jim during his ATF years. Lots of wonderful memories. Still play his CD’s. Once you met Jim you would never forget him. Joan Hoban and family
jIM YOU WERE A LIFELONG FRIEND A FELLOW MEMBER OF THE SAME GRADUATING CLASS OF dANVERS hIGH SCHOOL.YOU RETIRED AND LEFT A SPOT FOR ME ON THE danvers police dept.you will be missed and God Bless you and your family.I AM IN fla.right now but when i get home i will visit you.
Sue: My heart goes out to you, your family , especially your Mom on the loss of your brother. with over whelming saddness, Sharon
Dawn, I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your Father……prayers & hugs..
Dear Aunt Nancy & Family: So very sorry to read the sad news. I have such wonderful memories of “Uncle Jimmy” and all of you. Always a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. It has been a long, long time — just looking at his smiling face brings back so many memories. My sincere sympathy to all of you. Andrea (Feldman) Arnott
To The Family of Jim karolides, May I give my condolences and sympathies for your great loss. Most of you do not know who I am. I met Jim only one time, but all was easy to talk to toghter. Thanks to his Daughtrr Dawn. May God Look Higfhly upon Jim
Aunt Nancy and kids, I have so many memories of growing up together. One “plays” out quite often. I believe it was when our house caught on fire and I had to stay at your house. Uncle Jimmy taught me the first half of Doe a Deer on the piano in the front room of Bayview Terrace house. I never did learn the rest of the song, but everytime I see a piano I go over and play that first half and say to whoever is around “Uncle Jimmy taught me this”. I remember walking over to the old police station in Danvers Square and saying Hi to Uncle Jimmy. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by all who knew him. My love and sympathy to all of you Ellie
Dear Nancy & Family: I am very sorry to hear of jims passing. This family has suffered enough losses of great people. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. I just heard of this today, Saturday Feb 25th. Please take care, and jim will be sadly missed. Love to you all: Ron.
…yesterday I attended Jim’s funeral…he was a great man…during my second year with ATF he served as my OJT Instructor…ate dinner at his house on many an occasion…introduced him to my mother and father…my mother was fond of Jim (he was a real charmer)…my father remembers him well…Jim’s wife Nancy is a sweetheart…his kid’s (seven) are wonderful…use to goof around with his kid’s…one night at dinner I spelled my last name backward…before the funeral I offered my condolences to Nancy…she turned to her kids who were sitting around her and asked if they knew who I was…they all responded no…when she said ALLEROTROT her sons and daughters acknowledged me…I am thankful Jim was a part of my life…he represented the best in mankind…he will be missed!