James William "Jim" Pihos

Pihos, James William "Jim" Age 86, passed away on May 13, 2011 after a lengthy illness. He is survived by his sister, Georgia Pihos Megas, niece Barbara (Michael) Kalleres, nephew William (Sandra) Pihos, niece Stephanie (Phil) Petty, and nephew Anthony (Michele) Megas and many great nieces and nephews and his extended family in Milwaukee and Ft. Lauderdale. Jim was one of three children born to Greek immigrants William and Stavroula (Stella) Pihos, in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from Orlando High School and Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1947 and served his country in the Army. Jim was blessed with an excellent singing voice that allowed him to pursue his dream of performing for several years. He opened a gift shop and hair salon before meeting Ray Kroc in 1958. Jim was one of the original investors in the McDonalds restaurants and opened the first franchise in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. Over the years, Jim's keen business sense allowed him to grow the number of stores he owned to 31, making him the largest McDonalds franchise owner in the Midwest. His stores won many awards from the corporation for excellence in décor, service and beyond. Jim was an innovator in direct mailings and marketing for the corporation and was the president of the local advertising co-op for many years. He sold the business in 1996 and permanently retired to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Jim's philanthropic endeavors included many schools and social groups, which he supported through numerous donations, tuitions and foundations. He was instrumental in establishing the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin and served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors from its inception in 1983 through 1986 and the Senior Chairman from 1987 until his death. On bringing the "house that love built" to Milwaukee, Jim was quoted as saying, "I can think of nothing I have ever done that has given me so much personal satisfaction." Jim's Greek heritage and upbringing contributed to his dedication to his Church and community. He received the highest layman recognition in 1997 with an appointment as an Archon of Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. The James W. Pihos Cultural Center was dedicated in 2004 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to honor the love and stewardship Jim showed to the Annunciation Community over many years. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Peter. Ever grateful for his success and good fortune, Jim will be very sadly missed by many friends, business acquaintances, employees and all the customers who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee or St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Ft. Lauderdale.