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James Poulos Obituary
49, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2009 at home surrounded by his wife of 12 years, Tracy and 4 beloved Shi Tzu's. Jim fought a long and hard 18 month battle with esophageal cancer. He was an avid runner and workout fanatic and was able to continue these activities up until 2 weeks before his passing. James Louis Poulos was born on October 9, 1959 to Louis and Georgia Poulos and was a life long resident of Phoenix. Jim was a very humble and giving man and cared deeply about others. He loved his faith, family and friends. During the past 18 months, Jim loved spending time at his beach house on Mission Bay in San Diego walking his dogs and exercising. A diehard ASU fan, Jim graduated from Brophy College Prep in 1977 and Claremont McKenna College in 1982. A CPA, he was hired by Robson Communities in the 1980's as a controller and worked his way up to VP of Operations, overseeing multiple aspects of the company. As political liaison, he worked closely with congressmen, legislators, county and municipal officials, corporation commissioners and the governor. As General Manager of Pima Utility, he oversaw the successful growth of what has become one of the largest private utility operations in the State of Arizona. He also managed the engineering and land development departments. "The guy at the top who never forgot about the one's at the Bottom." In addition to his wife and parents Survivors include sister Deanne (Steve) and brother Alex (Shelli), aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many many friends & Colleagues. Heartfelt thanks to family and friends for the power of their collective prayers and love. Immense gratitude to Mr. Ed Robson, Jim's employer for nearly 30 years, and his wife Michelle, for their exceptional assistance and support. Visitation from 6:00-8:00 pm, with a Trisagion at 7:00 pm, Thursday, October 1st, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland, Phoenix. The Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am, Friday, October 2nd at Holy Trinity. Interment to follow at Paradise Memorial Gardens, Scottsdale. Donations to the Church, Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, 85021 and Arizona Humane Society, 9226 N. 13th avenue, Phoenix, 85021.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Poulos
Sponsored by anonymously.
Roseline Orwa
June 24, 2013
We shall remember you at Wagoma Orphans & Widows Centre in a special way.
Monica Klett
October 9, 2009
Dear Georgia, Lou, Deanne, Alex and Tracey his loving wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great sorrow. Mom and I are deeply saddened with news of the loss of James your Son, Brother and Loving Husband! May God Bless you and Keep you safe in your time of need.
(James and Daddy are probably watching movies together right now)
Francesca and Monica Klett
October 8, 2009
Deanne-So sorry to read about your brother's passing. I know how close you are to your family and I know he will be missed.
Mary Anne Grimes, R.N.
Mary Posey Melemseter
October 2, 2009
Tracy,
So saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. May God bless you!
October 2, 2009
Big James is going to be missed
John, Elaine Glitsos & Family
October 2, 2009
To the Poulos Family
We are deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing.
May your hearts soon be filled with the joyful times together and the wonderful memories of Jim to cherish forever.
The love and support of family and friends will carry you through these trying times ahead.
Our Prayers and thoughts are with your
entire family.
Katy Vaughn Fielder
October 1, 2009
My memories of James are connected to my youth, and the news of his passing has triggered my mind to revisit those long ago days at Madison #1. James and I "went steady" in 6th grade. He was the first boy whose hand I held, the first boy I kissed -these adolescent milestone achieved only after painstaking negotiation brokered by my best friend, Debby Douglass. As I revisit memories from the viewpoint of midlife, I realize that I was very lucky, indeed, to have had these first forays into close relationships with someone who, at his core, was simply a good and kind person. He made a difference in this world.
I send my prayers to James' family - that you may all find a place of peace and acceptance in these early days of adjusting.
Christopher Callahan
September 30, 2009
Jim was a good friend and a warm, caring human being, both when I knew him at Brophy and later when our paths crossed while he was with Robson. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Jim set a shining example for us all.
Lisa Farrington
September 30, 2009
Tracey:
Jim was an unforgetable person. I will never forget working with Jim on all the Robson wastewater projects. His devotion to you was wonderful. And the dogs!! Peace to you and your family.
Chris Kempley
September 30, 2009
I dealt with Jim many times over the years when I worked at the Arizona Corporation Commission. He was a very nice and good man and my sympathies are with the family.
Jose & Donna Valdes
September 30, 2009
Tracey and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of Jim bring you comfort. We will miss him running in the neighborhood...
September 30, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Jim's family. Jim was a true gentleman and professional. He will be missed. Bill Hare-ADEQ
September 30, 2009
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not gaze about, for I am your God. I will fortify you. I will really help you. I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Merrilyn S. Ridgeway
September 30, 2009
David and I send you and your family our deepest sympathy. I really only met Jim a few times, but it was the get-together he held at his home in suppport of David that I remember best. He was such a fine looking man, so I wasn't surprised to meet his beautiful wife Tracy. She and I had a short conversation in the kitchen. Both of them were gracious to me. (When one is the spouse of a politician, one remembers such moments.) Blessings to the whole family, who will have a lifetime of memories about their dear son, husband, and brother. Let them be of the good and happy times. Jim lives on in your hearts.
Bruce Haas
September 29, 2009
I was very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I knew Jim at both Brophy and Claremont, he was was such a kind and warm person, a true gentleman. I know he will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Suzi Figueroa
September 29, 2009
Deanne,
What a beautiful tribute to your brother. He is a wonderful man. My love and prayers are surrounding you and your family during this difficult time. While the sadness never goes away, it is replaced more often with those wonderful memories of Jim. There is a special angel in Heaven watching over you and yours.
Debbie & Humberto Estrada
September 29, 2009
We were very sadden to hear of Jims passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wes & Karen Johnson
September 29, 2009
Tracy. Wes amd I are sending you our prayers. I know that you will miss Jim, but be greatful for the years you have had with him.
Keeping you in our prayers. God Bless you. Love Karen and Wes
Home,, Ks.
None Needed
September 29, 2009
I dealt with Jim early in his career at Robson. Even then, you could tell he was a young man destined for great things. But, more importantly, he was a warm human being. I was sorry to hear of his health issues and of his passing.
September 29, 2009
Deanne, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. You and your family remain in my prayers. I am also praying for a cure for all cancers. Much love, Laurie Chatham (South Pasadena, Ca.)
Perry Jaicks
September 29, 2009
I am truely sadden by the passing of Jim, his presence will forever be missed. Although his time on earth was short, Jim had made lots of freinds that will never forget him. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
estelle speros macdonald
September 29, 2009
I send heartfelt prayers and love to the whole family during these difficult days.
Jim left a glowing light behind and he will always be remembered with love.
May your hearts soon be filled with all the wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life too short but so very well lived.
God Bless you with peace in these sad moments and always.
Troy Wittrock
September 29, 2009
Jim was the most giving man I have ever known, my brother-in-law that was truly a brother to me. I will miss Jim very much, mostly as friend and a great listner. God Bless
Terry and Chris Seretis
September 29, 2009
Tracy and Family - we were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Joseph McDonnell
September 29, 2009
Jimmy was a kind soul and a good man. I richly enjoyed his company and humor. This is a jolting reminder of why it's a bad idea to let people slip away from you. Time is not promised.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. and Mrs. Poulos, Deanne, Alex, Tracy, and extended family.
George Gallery
September 29, 2009
Very sad to hear of Jim's loss. We played many fun basketball games together at Brophy. I will remember those days, also playing at Claremont. Such a young man to leave. My condolences to the Poulos family.
September 29, 2009
I am deeply saddened by James' untimely passing.My thoughts and prayers are with your wonderful family.Sincerely,Carolyn Nelson(formerly at Madison Number One School)
September 29, 2009
I am so sorry for the loss of your son James. Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am for the Poulos family. During this difficult time may you find comfort knowing that he was loved by many and will be missed tremendously. The world will not be the same without him. Please accept my deepest condolences.
April Sutter - ALBA
judy wilds-shimota
September 29, 2009
Tracy, What a wonderful tribute and what a wonderful person to share your life with~ you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my condolances.
Lisa Chow & Step Raptis
September 29, 2009
We send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family. We pray that time will heal the pain from this loss. God bless you!
Tina (Kretsedemas) St.Cyr
September 29, 2009
I am so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. My thoughts, my prayers, my heart go out to the Poulos family.
Diane (Bruskas) Berry
September 29, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Eva Goodman
September 29, 2009
I grew up in the same community as Jim at Holy Trinity although I did not know him very well. I do know that he was highly liked by others that also grew with him in our community, and I know that he will be missed. Please accept my condolances to all the family, as I know that this is such a trying time. Just remember that as much as you will miss him, he is now in good hands, and you will see him again. My thoughts and prayers are with you....Eva Goodman-Holy Trinity Cathedral-Phoenix, AZ.
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