James George Kanavas

James “Jim” or “Dimitri” Kanavas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Friday, Sept. 27, 2019. Jim, 84, was born in Dubuque, Iowa on July 30, 1935 and was the youngest son of his Greek immigrant parents, George and Katherine (Vrotsos) Kanavas. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, George and Katherine, and his siblings: Helen, Nick, John, Ted, Violet (Toolie) and George, along with their spouses. He is survived by all of his children and grandchildren, and many dear nieces and nephews. Jim also has extended family in Greece. Jim’s life revolved around friends, his love of golf, and of course: Family. His three children Nick (Lindy), Deanna (Chris) and Peter (Deborah) blessed him with eight grandchildren and two great grandsons. He always enjoyed touting the achievements of Megan & Zoe (Kanavas), James & Teddy (DeRocher), and Shelby & Colby (Tucker), Kylee & Baylee (Kanavas). While Jim had always been a “great” grandpa (Papou’), he became an actual great-grandfather with Megan’s sons Angelo & Leo (Saya-Ang). Jim is also survived by his former spouse, Sandra Karkossa. Jim graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, class of 1953, where he excelled in sports. As a member of the varsity football team he was a hard hitting defensive halfback, and was also a member of the varsity tennis team. Following high school, he played football and attended the University of Dubuque. In 1955, he joined the United States Air Force. During his service he discovered his love of golf. He became a Professional PGA Golfer in 1963, and served as the club professional at Oconomowoc Golf Club. Throughout his career Jim managed the Ramada Inn in Waukesha and owned three restaurants in the Milwaukee area and various businesses in southwest Florida. At the end of his career he came back to his first love of teaching golf as an active PGA professional. Jim was also an artist who enjoyed painting and creating three dimensional art throughout his life. All who knew him enjoyed his sense of humor and his gift of wordsmithing: turning any comment made into a funny pun or joke. In the last few decades of his life, his time was spent with his children, grandchildren, and friends, sharing his love of golf, art, and teaching them to be loving and giving just as he was. As a father, grandfather, and friend, Jim touched the lives of all who knew him. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to his physical body, while feeling grateful knowing his spirit lives on. A memorial service will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, 1167 Summit Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 with Pastor Joyce Budny presiding. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00pm until the time of the service. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, 1624 Yout Street, Racine, WI 53404.