James Dmitry Makowsky

1944 - 2025

James Dmitry Makowsky
12/17/1944 - 02/11/2025
James Dmitry Makowsky passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025 following a fierce battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his devoted and loving family.
Dmitry, also known by his childhood nickname, Chip, was born in New York City to Jacques Makowsky and Therese Davalis Makowsky. Jacques, born and raised in Moscow, was a world-renowned printer who left Russia following the end of the revolution and emigrated to Paris where he met Therese. They both fled France for New York after the German occupation.
Dmitry grew up in Pomfret Center, Conn., where his parents established Idle Wild Farm. It was here his parents bred the original Rock Cornish Game Hens. After attending The Rectory School, Dmitry graduated from Pomfret School in 1963. He went on to graduate from Bates College in 1968 with a degree in history.
In 1968 Dmitry enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Alameda, CA. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
In 1976 Dmitry met Mimi Jones of San Francisco. They were married in 1978 at Las Olas, Stinson Beach. In 1983 their son, Zachary Jacques (Zack), was born and in 1985 their daughter, Llewellyn (Lynn) was born. No greater pleasure was had in their marriage.
Following his discharge from the military Dmitry worked in the Insurance industry. In 1983 He purchased MHR Sales, a manufacturer's representative company. In 1985 joined by his partner, Malcolm Plant, they founded Avocet Sales and Marketing, specializing in representing complex tooling manufacturers to an array of industrial and medical device companies. In 2013 Dmitry retired from Avocet and his son took over his position.
Dmitry and Mimi moved from San Francisco to Sonoma in 2013 building the house of their dreams and naming it Idle Wild Farm in honor of his parents. Dmitry took to working the 21 olive trees on the property. Olive picking parties became an annual ritual in which he cajoled his bike buddies and other friends into picking the olive crop which was followed by a boisterous lunch and gifts of olive oil.
Newly retired and looking for ways to give back to the community Dmitry volunteered for F.I.S.H. (Friends in Sonoma Helping) as a driver for people unable to get themselves to medical appointments. Later he became deeply involved with Meals on Wheels of Sonoma delivering meals, safety checks and good cheer to housebound Sonoma residents from 2016 through 2023. He served on the Board of Directors of Meals on Wheels from 2019 before stepping down in 2023.
After being diagnosed with cancer Dmitry became involved with Cancer Support of Sonoma partaking of their support and services. He especially enjoyed meeting with a group who called themselves "The Rogues".
Dmitry was preceded in death by his Father, Jacques, his mother, Therese, his sister Jeanette. He is survived by his wife, Mimi, son, Zachary (MacKenzie Foreman) daughter, Lynn (James Miller), two grandchildren, Quincy and Freddie Makowsky, his brother, John and sister, Josette (Joe) Campolong as well as countless nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in his name can be made online to Cancer Support of Sonoma at Cancersupportsonoma.org.