Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Petersburg

3935 S. Crater Road

Petersburg, Virginia

James Basis Obituary

James "Jimmy" Basis, a longtime Petersburg businessman and restaurateur, died on Jan. 22, 2012, at the age of 74.

He was born in Mikro Horio, Greece, and settled in Petersburg in 1959. Throughout his life, Basis owned and operated a number of small successful businesses and restaurants in the Tri-City area, the last landmark of which still stands, Jimmy's Grille, which opened its doors in 1971. He was dedicated to his local community and generous to his church and the greater Greek community. He was a lifelong member of St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association in Hopewell, both of which he served many non-consecutive terms as President. Basis was also a devout member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond and the Evrytanian Association of America, which assists Greek citizens living in the province of Evrytania, Greece.

Above all else, Basis was a devoted family man and is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Frances H. Basis; daughter, Stacy Basis Pappas and her husband, Matthew R. Pappas; daughter, Sandy Basis Holleman and her husband, W. Todd Holleman; granddaughters, Frances Evelyn Pappas, Evelyn Wallis Holleman and Ruth Willliams Holleman; and a "special" brother-in-law, Odysseas Housianitis. He is also survived by three sisters, Fotini Zogratos, Vasiliki Zese and Chrysoula Armakas; and several nieces and nephews, all still residing in Greece. He was preceded in death by his parents, Demosthenis and Alexandra Yousbasis.

A Trisagion prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. with visitation to follow until 8 Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the Petersburg Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 3935 S. Crater Road. The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, in St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Memorial Drive, Hopewell, VA 23860, with the Rev. Jon Emanuelson and the Rev. Nicholas Bacalis officiating. Interment will follow in Appomattox Cemetery, Hopewell, Va. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church, Church Beautification Fund, P.O. Box 1204, Hopewell, VA 23860, or Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Building Fund, 30 Malvern Ave., Richmond, VA 23221. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index from Jan. 24 to Jan. 25, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for James Basis

Sponsored by Donnie Wilkerson.

Not sure what to say?





Donnie Wilkerson

January 21, 2025

Jimmy, you are truly missed, I remember our conversations over Hot Dog and the Big Jim`s Special.

Donnie Wilkerson

January 18, 2022

You are truly missed my friend

March 14, 2012

Frances, Stacy, Sandy, and family,
I just heard about Jimmy's passing, and am very saddened. He and Dad were such great friends! Now they are together. May God bless his soul, and may He keep His arms around all of you to give you comfort and peace during this difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara Doulis Miles and family

Athena Flegas

January 29, 2012

Dear Aunt Fofi, Sandy and Stacy,
Uncle Jim was one of my favorite uncles. I remember him as I was growing up and he was always there with his wonderful laugh helping out in any way he could. He will be in my memories forever. May your cherished memories of this wonderful man ease the sadness in your heart.
Love, Athena

Rodger Doss

January 26, 2012

Frances,
I was shocked and so sorry to hear of Jimmy's tragic death. He was one of the nicest and fun-loving people I ever met. I will never forget the old days when you all had the restaurant in Colonial Heights and how Jimmy and Jack "short legs" Murphy would pick at and "insult" one another. They should have been a comedy team.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. God bless you and all of your family.

Natasha Moore Lyman

January 26, 2012

Francis, Stacy and Sandy, Mr. Basis was the one of the nicest people I ever have known. I remember him driving the church bus to sunday school and Francis being the sunday school teacher. He was a family man and will be missed greatly. I hope that you all can find peace during this hard time. Your family is in my prayers.

January 26, 2012

Frances and family, David and I are very sorry to hear the lost of Jimmy. He was a very friendly man. We loved his smile.
He will truly be missed.
Let God give the family comfort with his arms around them.
David and Wanda Shea

January 26, 2012

I am saddened by Jimmy's passing but I look back to the early years of jimmy's grille and remember the loud, boisterous Jimmy who became a friend I always looked forward to seeing. We will miss him. our sympathies to you and your family, Frances. Danny and Terry Smith

Linda Akin

January 26, 2012

Dear Frances & family, my thoughts & prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Jimmy was a very kind man & always looked at me with a smile. Marissa is my daughter-in-law & my heart goes out to her as well. May God comfort all of you during this time of mourning.

Angela Flegas

January 25, 2012

Frances, Stacy, Sandy, Matthew and Todd
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. I will always remember Jimmy with a big smile, great laugh and as one of my father's closest and best friends. May his memory be eternal.

Fred Minson

January 25, 2012

Jimmy was a nice guy. I first knew him when he ran Arnette's. I worked next door at the post office and went over frequently for coffee and doughnuts. Frances and girls, I am shocked and sorry about this tragedy. He always remembered and called me by name whenever we met. May his soul rest in peace.

January 25, 2012

Frances and family, Chris and I are so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. We always enjoyed coming out to eat,talking with you and seeing Jimmy's smiling face through the serving window. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Chris and Elaine Kollman, Colonial Heights,Va.

Margaret Rudisill

January 25, 2012

Alex, Todd and Family,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Margaret and Macon

Dr. Lori Wilson

January 25, 2012

Dear Frances,
There are no words that I can express to you about the sudden passing of Jimmy. He was a great patient, a great business owner and angreat Friend. I will miss him beyond words.

Pam Kreicar

January 25, 2012

Sorry for your loss my prayers and thought are with you and your family

January 25, 2012

Dear Frances, Sandy and Stacy. I was truely saddened by the suddened death of Jimmy. Talking with my girls, it brings back many memories of the grill, St Joseph' and the swim team. It seams like just a short time of qgo.You where very blessed to be married to a man loved and respected by so many. May your family, friends and memories carry you and the girls through this of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.

Barbara Marks. Petersburg, VA

Ann James

January 25, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers

Arlene Webster

January 25, 2012

Alex and Todd,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Your dad will always be smiling down on all of you.

January 25, 2012

Dear Frances and family, It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I write to you about Jimmy's passing. Over the years my family's friendship and respect for what you created on Goodrich Avenue is now magnified. I grew up there and my Dad spent some of the best years of his life at your counter. Jimmy will be greatly missed.May the Lord Bless and Keep you and your family.
Mike and Barbara Bristow, Petersburg

Paul Flegas

January 25, 2012

Nouna, I am so sorry to hear about Nouno Jimmy. He will be missed very much by my family and I. I am thinking about and praying for you, Nouna Stacy, and Nouna Sandy. I love and miss you all so much.
Love,
Paul

Kalvin Dukes

January 25, 2012

My family has been going to Jimmy's for over 5 and a half years. Sorry to hear about your loss.

Susan Payne

January 25, 2012

Frances and family,
I am so saddened by Jimmy's sudden passing. He was one of a kind. You and Jimmy have always been so wonderful to the Payne family. He even had his special take out service for Moma and Daddy--holding up two fingers for two hot dogs or three fingers if they wanted to split a third one. All the while, they were in the car...not many busy people would do that. Jimmy will always be special to many people. May the good Lord bless and keep you all.

JIM Freeman

January 25, 2012

The Freeman familey, has been in Jimmy and Frances life as friend and customers for40 years, and a great loss to all. The girls where just babies, such a beautiful familey Sorry for loss the lord must of needed the best chef of all. GUMBY

George & Rose Dooley

January 25, 2012

Frances and family we are faithful monday customers at lunch and will miss Jimmy so very much. You are in our thoughts and prayers. George and Rose

St. Demetrios

Curtis and Alexis Mitchell

January 25, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May his memory be eternal.

Mary Beth Branzelle

January 25, 2012

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Basis. Prayers are with you during this most difficult time.

Steve & Sophia Doulis

January 25, 2012

We were very saddened to learn of Jimmy's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Frances, Stacy, Sandy and you families. Zois se mas!

Sam Clay

January 25, 2012

Frances and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of Jimmy. I and many others will miss him very much. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

jana bryant

January 25, 2012

So sorry to hear about Jimmy I have known Jimmy for years I work at Walnut Hill PH. for Doug Thomas and Tommy Lee.
I would have a sausage sandwich (so good)
He will be miss and all our love and prayers are with his family. He was a funny and alot of fun at jimmy grille
Jana seymour bryant

January 25, 2012

Frances & Family
I was deeply saddened to hear of Jimmys' passing and all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue White

January 25, 2012

Frances and family, we are heartbroken for your loss and the communities loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Stacy and Berkley Stafford

Ron Sims

January 24, 2012

Frances & Family: I was deeply saddened to learn of Jimmy's passing . You and your family are in our Hearts and Prayers

January 24, 2012

Frances and Family, We are so sorry for the loss of Jimmy. Petersburg has lost a great man. We will always remember "Big Jim's Special" which we enjoyed each time we came to the restaurant. May God bless you and keep you ever under His care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Greg and Cheryl Comstock

Sue Conner

January 24, 2012

My family was devastated to hear of the passing of Jimmy...He was the best person you ever wanted to meet and the most kindness of gentlemen..If Jimmy knew you..he never forgot your face. I'll miss his wonderful smile and fellowship.Our thoughts and prayers are with the Basis Family.

Paul Survello

January 24, 2012

Frances,
So sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. I've eaten more hot dogs than I can remember at Jimmy's Grill. I sure will miss him. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Robert Bryant

January 24, 2012

Jana And I will. Treasure our time spent with Jimmy and yu over the years ,will not forget eating their with all the pepsi drivers I'm sure he will see my Cousin gearld in heaven may God be with your family in these troubled times

January 24, 2012

Frances,
Please know you and the girls are in the thoughts of all the Mintons. Marc loved his breakfast and banter with Jimmy and all of us have such fond memories of time spent with good food and laughter.
Martha Minton

January 24, 2012

Frances,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jean and Daphne
Pinetree Apartments

Linda Lewis

January 24, 2012

Frances,Stacy, Matt, and Sandy,
You all are in our prayers and thoughts.
Your family means so much to us that
there are no words to express our love for you. Of all the things we will remember about Jimmy is his beautiful smile! God comfort you and give you strength through this difficult time.

Sue Ellen Peden

January 24, 2012

I am so sorry to hear about Jimmy. My family has so many happy memories with you all over the years. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Sue Ellen (Gillespie) Peden

January 24, 2012

Frances,I was so sorry to hear about Jimmy. He has been such a big part of our entire family over these many years and although I live in Florida, I always made Jimmy's Grill a part of my visit when returning to Petersburg. He will truly be missed.

David Livesay, Fleming Island Fl.

Becky Watson

January 24, 2012

Frances.. I worked across the street from the grill for 15 years and saw Jimmy every morning smiling and shaking his head at me.. That is the way I will always picture him. You and your daughters are in my heart. It breaks my heart to lose such a wonderful person.

January 24, 2012

My heart goes out to you. Jimmy was such an outstanding person. His legacy of kindness and love for his fellowman will live on. He always had time to say "Hello". God Bless you in your time of sorrow.
Love, Jackie Ruffa King

Faidra A. Vasilos - Bowen

January 24, 2012

Dear Frances, We were so sorry to hear about Jimmy. Lewis & I send you and your daughters our deepest sympathy and prayers. May his memory be eternal.

olin hardy

January 24, 2012

Frances,I was so sorry to learn about Jimmy. I do pray for his nice family at this time.

January 24, 2012

Dear Frances, Our thoughts anmd prayers are with you and the girls. We are so very saddened and sorry for your loss. Petersburg just won't be the same without his fiendly, happy face. "C. C." and John Oakley, Lewisville, NC

Pastor Larry Jarratt

January 24, 2012

Frances, my church and I extend to you and the family deepest sympathy and prayers. We were all saddened by the death of Jimmy.

Susan Petrick

January 24, 2012

Frances and family, Our prayers go out to all of you along with our heartfelt sympathy. My family and I will always remember our goods times, and the good food, had at your restaurant. May your memories and God's grace see you through this sad time. Susan and Sons

January 24, 2012

Frances and Matt,

Cindy and I were stunned at this news. Our hearts go out to you for your loss. Know that we care and send our deepest condolences. (my eggs will never be the same, unless you made 'em, Matt!)

May the peace of God be upon you.

Pete Devereaux

John Minton

January 24, 2012

Frances; I will always remember the great times spent with my family at Jimmy's and growing up eating there. Jimmy always took care of us and made us all feel special. He was a landmark in Petersburg and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ron Reese

January 24, 2012

Frances, I am so sorry about Jimmy. I was there from the begining in 1971 and watched you two grow your business and watched your daughters grow up. Even though I have not lived in Va for many years it was always a part of my trip home to see you and Jimmy and to get the latest on your family. My thoghts and prayers are with you and the girls! Jimmy will be missed!

January 24, 2012

Frances and family, so sorry to hear of the loss of Jimmy. Our prayers are with you during this time and if there is anything we can do please let us know.

Your camper friends from the restaurant, Barbara & Joe Hoggood

January 24, 2012

Our thoughts are with you, Our prayers are for you

Kevin, Kim, Brett Lois and Rhonda Haley
Bowers

Fay Godwin

January 24, 2012

Dearest Frances, My thoughts and prayers are with you most sincerely. You and Jimmy were wonderful neighbors on Hampton Road. I have always heard great things about "Jimmy's". May God give you peace and understanding. Love to you and your family.

Ann and Doug Smith

January 24, 2012

Frances, Doug and I were so saddened by the news of Jimmy's passing. He was a part of our lives from dating, to marriage, to kids, and then grandkids. He always made us laugh! We will miss him. We will be praying for you and your family.

Jeanette Berrios

January 24, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of loss.

Derick Parham

January 24, 2012

Dear Frances and Family......Jimmy was an outstanding man who inspired me so much through his work ethic and his dedication to his family. He will be so very much missed.

Louise Whitley

January 24, 2012

Francis, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this sorrowful time in your lives. May God be with you all. The Whitley Family.

Becky Millirons

January 24, 2012

Frances, John and I are still in shock over this tragic loss! We are sending our prayers for comfort during this sad time. With Love, Becky and John Millirons.

John Dyson

January 24, 2012

Frances, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most diffcult time.

January 24, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with your all. Charle' & Sonny Tanner

Dan and Donna Shaffer

January 24, 2012

Dear Frances and Family...Dan and I are so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was a super great guy and will be greatly ;missed. He was the most respected and loved friend to all. His memory will always be one of love and laughter and great food!

January 24, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you! We love you! Chris, Maria, Paul and Christina Flegas

Beckie Ivey

January 24, 2012

Frances, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Donnie Wilkerson

January 24, 2012

Frances and Family, I heard last night about Jimmy and I was crushed. As you know I remember Jimmy from Palm`s down on Washington Street. I will surely miss his smile and good nature. He was a great friend and a wonderful person. He will surely be missed by all, and my heart and prayers go out to each of you.

Showing 1 - 65 of 65 results

Make a Donation
in James Basis's name

Memorial Events
for James Basis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Petersburg

3935 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Basis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more