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JAMES ALATIS Obituary
Dr. JAMES E. ALATIS (Age 88)
On February 28, 2015, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends in Arlington VA. Loving husband, father, grandfather and brother, he is survived by his loving wife Penelope M. Alatis of 63 years, three sons William J. Alatis, wife Olya, Stephen J. Alatis, Anthony J. Alatis, and his grandchildren James A. Alatis, Alexa P. Alatis, and Natalia R. Alatis, sisters Despina Dandalides, husband George, and Frances "Beba" Vlahos. He is preceded in death by his brothers John, Charles, Manuel Alatis, and sister Anna Lucas. He was Dean Emeritus of Georgetown University, Distinguished Professor of Languages and Linguistics and Modern Greek, where he taught for 46 years. He was also the Founding Father and Executive Director of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International for over 20 years. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 and Thursday, March 5, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. (with a Trisagion Service at 7 p.m. Thursday) at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302. Funeral Service will occur 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2015 at St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041. Interment will follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the TESOL AWARD FUND. For information on how to donate please go to www.tesol.org.
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Memories and Condolences
for JAMES ALATIS
Wendy Kilkpatrick
February 27, 2021
Thank you for the reminder, I wrote out my check to Georgetown "In Memory of Dr Alatis" Thank you for the excellent education! I wouldn't have seen or played a part of so many cultures, nor taken me to so many parts of the world without the MA-TESL program at Georgetown University. My best to his family. Wendy M Kilpatrick
Wendy Kilpatrick
April 10, 2019
At the time of Dr. Alatis's death, I wrote to Mrs. Alatis the following: My MA degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Georgetown University gave me the know-how. I was at Georgetown University when Dr. James Alatis was Dean. Every one of the classes I took, be it elective or required, gave me the tools that opened doors through my thirty-year-teaching career. I was able to teach ESL and EFL to all ages, all skills levels, from working-class students in New York City to children of farmers in Thailand. Joining TESOL, which Dean Alatis encouraged us students to do, labelled me a professional. Wendy Kilpatrick, Alexandria, VA
Susan Bingham
March 26, 2015
Dear Alatis family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time, it's very hard to lose someone who is large part of who we are and our life.
God Bless,
Susan Bogle Bingham
Diane Donohoe
March 23, 2015
My sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family Stephen on the loss of your father, James. Although I never met him I know he was an awesome father and husband from the stories you have shared with me.
Michele Marion
March 12, 2015
Dear Mrs. Alatis and Family,
Thought I'd share the words I posted on Facebook (along with Dr. Alatis's obituary) upon learning, with great sorrow, of his passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
"Adieu, cher doyen...a remarkable scholar and person; the man who signed my diploma. No matter how busy he was, his door was always open to us students. The late, great Billy Miles and I served on many committees with him throughout our time at Georgetown, and he never failed to make it clear that the opinions and needs of the SLL student body were foremost in his mind and endeavors. I'll never forget his visit to Pierre Maubrey's Dijon summer program, and the way Pierre persisted in calling Dr. Alatis's wonderful wife, Penelope, "Pen-ay-loap!" And I'll never forget the plaque on his office wall, which read: Those who know many languages live as many lives as the languages they know. I am grateful to have entrusted my higher education to him, and thankful to have had him in my life."
Sincerely,
Michele Menegay Marion
SLL '78
maria spanos
March 8, 2015
sympathies to the Alatis family. it is hard to believe we won't see him again..
Janine Farhat
March 8, 2015
SLL/GU was fortunate to have deans like Jim Alatis and Dr. Lado and had a glorious history while it lasted. As Bill's classmate and a GU student and employee, I send my deepest sympathies to the family. Dean Alatis' impact will be long-lasting. Sorry the snow kept me from the wake. Please alert us when GU has a memorial service ([email protected]).
Elizabeth Varela
March 6, 2015
Dr. Alatis graciously agreed to be my doctoral committee chairperson in the late 1990's even though he had pretty much stopped chairing committees at that point. I had issues getting my committee together and Dr. Alatis solved all my problems with one phone call. He was so helpful and supportive and always encouraging. I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget Dr. Alatis and all that he did for me and for the TESOL profession. He was a pioneering, indefatigable, and wonderful man whose legacy will live on.
Michael Pappas
March 6, 2015
Dean Alatis was one of my professors at Georgetown. He was a fantastic teacher and a kind and wonderful man. My sympathies to all who knew and loved him.
Wendy Kilpatrick
March 6, 2015
I was enrolled in the Masters of Art Program for Teaching English as a Second Language at Georgetown University, when Dr. James Alatis was a dean and a professor. Every one of the classes that I took, elective or required, gave me the tools to teach all ages and skill levels of non-native speakers of English, from New York City to Thailand. My M.A. in TESL from Georgetown University opened doors to teach for the next thirty years. But my membership in TESOL made me a professional. Thank you, Dr. James Alatis.
Sandy Briggs
March 6, 2015
Jim, I will miss you very much. The TESOL Conventions will not be the same without you there. Love.
Rosanne Rodilosso
March 5, 2015
My sorrow at the passing of a great man.
Sincere sympathy to Penny and children,
Rosanne Rodilosso (Mrs. Philip)
J.
March 5, 2015
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your loss.
Dorothy Delianides
March 5, 2015
My dear Koumbara Penny & family,
I was saddened to hear of my Koumbaro's passing. It is a great loss to us and to everyone who knew him. He was an exceptional man and will be sorely missed. He has now joined my beloved Phil and I'm sure they are reminiscing their days from Ohio State to the present. May his memory be eternal. All my love,
Koumbara Dot
Stevenson
March 5, 2015
My condolences for your loss may the peace of God bless you and your family and friends during this healing process.
Nina Liakos
March 5, 2015
Dear Penny and family,
I am so sad to hear of Jim's passing. He was a shining light for ESL and EFL teachers everywhere. I feel so lucky to have known him personally. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Dick Schwartz
March 5, 2015
Dear Penny,
Judie and I send our deepest condolences. I'm sure that Jim is already working with the saints from other lands who wish to learn English. His indomitable spirit was an inspiration to all of us.
McCarthy
March 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Most High God comfort you as you mourn the loss of your loved one. (Psalm 83:18)
Bernard Spolsky
March 4, 2015
A perfect model of an academic who devoted his life to service as well. And a great friend.
Mark Algren
March 4, 2015
Jim's legacy will be felt for generations through the impact of TESOL which he helped to found. Thousands of teachers and millions of English language learners have benefitted from his vision, scholarship and leadership. Thank you for all you have done for us. Penny - thank you for sharing Jim with us. Our condolences and prayers are with all of you.
Lia Loucas Freeman
March 4, 2015
Our hearts are filled with sadness at the passing of this loving man. Uncle Jim was one of a kind.
- Lia Loucas Freeman
Dr. Amy Schlessman
March 4, 2015
Jim Alatis is one of my heroes. I was so honored after my TESOL presidential address that he spent time walking with me & talking with me about my contribution to TESOL. His work was powerful inspiration in my life. As I said, I am so honored to be part of his legacy & his TESOL family.
William Reid, III
March 4, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
alina constantinidi
March 4, 2015
RIP dearest uncle. You will be always remembered as a loving, wondrrful man
March 4, 2015
You have my deepest sympathy. May the God of loyal love comfort you and the family during your time of sorrow.. Psalm 119: 76
March 4, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
March 4, 2015
Im sorry for your loss. There will be a ressurection hope. In the bible.
Gary Smucker
March 4, 2015
My condolences to the family. Many thoughts about the many accomplishments and professional contributions and personal contacts of Dr. Alatis over the years.
Michelle Schnoll
March 3, 2015
Always a gentleman, a kind word, and a gentle smile. You will be missed but more importantly....you will be remembered always with love!
It was a really nice Christmas, to think it was only 3 months ago.
James Alatis
March 3, 2015
Pappou, I just wanted to say, you are one of the people I respected most in the world, and not only because you're so smart and successful, but also because you always thought of others before yourself, and always did everything you could to help. Even after your death you were still thinking of others, so I just wanted to say that I love you, now and forever. I look forward to when we can meet again, and until then I want you to know I will always remember all that you did for me, you know I still have that report you helped me with 2 years ago. I am so proud to share your name. Anyway, Love you pappou,
'Till we meet again, your grandson
~James (Jamie) Alatis
Harlan & Linda Silverman
March 3, 2015
Sending sincere condolences to all of the Alatis family.
March 3, 2015
Pleass accept my condolences. I pray that your family draw closer, as your father would want you to. God's arms are not too short to comfort you all, and he will.
E. P
March 3, 2015
Pleass accept my condolences. I pray that your family draw closer, as your father would want you to. God's arms are not too short to comfort you all, and he will.
John Staczek
March 3, 2015
Dear Penny,
Camille and I are so sorry to hear about Jim. He had a great effect on our lives. May he rest in peace and continue to guide all those who loved him.
Fondly,
Camille and John
Stephen Alatis
March 3, 2015
March 03, 2015
Dad, People from all over the world are sending us their condolences and telling us how much they loved, admired, and respected you for your kindness, warmth, friendship, wisdom, and guidance you gave them so generously throughout your life. You were an educational "ROCKSTAR" James "Dean"! I miss you already!! Don't worry about mom, we will take care of her for you!!! I hope you're drinking Metaxas and Ouzo, Greek dancing and breaking plates with your parents, brothers, sister, and friends. I'm afraid to say that I may be seeing you soon!?! Then we can dance together again. I will love you forever. Thank you for everything you did for me, our family, and especially Alexa and for being a great father and grandfather! Your loving son, Stephen JAMES Alatis
~ Stephen Alatis, Arlington, Virginia
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