James Janopoulos

James Janopoulos, former owner and operator of the desert area's Janopoulos Painting, passed away in his sleep on the night of September 20 after a long battle with multiple myeloma. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Jim, his older brother, and his three older sisters were raised in Greektown by their mother, who was widowed when Jim was only three-weeks old. As a young man, Jim served his nation at the very tail-end of WWII and a few years beyond. Back in civilian life and after two years in college, he joined his older brother, Pete, in the restaurant business, co-owning and operating Jalin's Restaurant for nearly two decades. In his early 40's, Jim and his first wife moved their family to Palm Springs where he established Janopoulos Painting. He continued his successful business for over two decades before selling the business to a former employee and retiring. During the last years of his career and during retirement, Jim and his second wife enjoyed the scenic mountain town of Idyllwild where Jim enjoyed participating in the Idyllwild Rotary Club. Jim is survived by his wife Pam, his son Robert Janopoulos (Desert Hot Springs); daughters Sheila Wood (Palm Desert), Barbara Mueller (French Valley), Stephanie Nelson (Murrieta), Kathleen White (Phoenix, Ariz.), Mary White (on-the-road as a trucker), and Kimber White (Flagstaff, Ariz.). He will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and unconditional love.