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James Spiridopoulos Obituary
James "Jim" Spiridopoulos passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 80 years old.
Born in Washington, DC, on December 7, 1944, to Stephen and Angela Spiridopoulos, Jim dedicated his life to education, athletics, and family. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Gretchen (Henesy); daughter Lisa (Josh Herman); son Greg (Sheffra); sister Mary AKA Bootsie (Cranford); and his cherished grandchildren Audrey, Mackenzie, and Bryce.
Jim graduated from DeMatha High School and went on to High Point University, where he played basketball and began developing the passion for the sport that would define much of his life and career. After graduating, he went on to teach physical education in Virginia for over five decades, where he not only educated but inspired generations of students.
A passionate and accomplished coach, Coach Spiro led numerous sports teams throughout his career, but his greatest love was women's basketball. He coached at DeMatha, Sidwell Friends, George Mason High School, Bishop O'Connell High School, and Robinson High School, leaving a lasting impact at each.
In 1998, Jim led George Mason High School to a Virginia State Championship and was named the VA Coach of the Year. He was honored as the All-Met DC Coach of the Year in 1989. His outstanding contributions to athletics were recognized with inductions into both the George Mason and Bishop O'Connell Athletic Halls of Fame.
After retiring 20 years ago to Hilton Head, South Carolina, Jim remained active, playing golf three times a week. He never missed watching games —especially when it came to women's college basketball, the WNBA, or his beloved Washington Redskins.
Jim will be remembered for his deep love of family, his unwavering dedication to his players and students, and his lifelong passion for sports. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched both on and off the court.
Private Services. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you donate to: First Tee of the Low Country or your favorite charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Spiridopoulos
Dion Bruton
May 19, 2025
Coach Spiro was a great influence on my life with his colleague Coach Gambill. They were the best P.E teachers and they were both very competitive. It saddens me to know they both passed in the same week. Coach Jim Spiro will be missed but he will live on through his legacy and student athletes that he has coached and influenced. My prayers are with you coach Spiro and his family!
Bobby Kaplow
May 12, 2025
Spiro's effect on me is hard to put in words. It was an honor to play for him, a privilege to coach with him and a gift to be his friend. He made all of us better players...and men. He made a real difference. Our thoughts are with Gretchen and the family. Thank you for everything, Coach.
William Edmunds
May 9, 2025
I hope to see Gretchen and others honoring Jim for his goodness- on May 22nd.
Marge Tuthill
May 6, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Spiro's family, I am so sorry to hear this as I knew Jim as a colleague, a friend, and a coach. He was such a fun person to be around. Prayers to all of you.
Fondly,
Marge Tuthill
Chris Avery
May 5, 2025
Gretchen,
Jim was one of the most impactful people in my life. He holds a special place in my heart. The two of you were beautiful together. Thoughts and prayers to you and the entire family. I loved Spiro.
Chris
LH
May 5, 2025
Paul Tomardy
May 4, 2025
Gretchen, please know how very sorry I am for your loss. After years of admiring Lisa's athletic talent's I had the very good fortune of meeting her dad, Spiro. It was like I had known him all my life as he was genuinely one of the warmest and friendliest people I had ever met. I was very fortunate to get to know him even better as I coached baseball at George Mason High School while he was doing a tremendous job of leading the Mason boy's and girl's basketball player. Yes, he was a great coach but even a better person with an amazing family. He will be so missed -
Judy Finney
May 3, 2025
If Jim hadn´t been a coach, we might never have known him and you. But he was a great coach and we did get to know him and you. He has meant so much to our family. We have tons of basketball memories and cribbage memories and Maine memories and HHI memories and of course, introducing us to the special flavor of a sausage and onion pizza.
We hope you and your family cherish your memories too.
Fred Priester
May 3, 2025
Very sorry to hear of Jim´s passing- remember him as a great coach, a strong competitor and a great guy. Enjoyed his contributions to NOVA Basketball and his lasting impact on his players. Happy to hear that enjoyed his retirement with his family and stayed strong. RIP
Fred Priester
Ray Hite
May 2, 2025
Sorry to hear about Jim´s passing. Loved his laidback approach to life, he was my JV coach my sophomore year at DeMatha.
Ray Hite
Ginny Crispell
May 1, 2025
Gretchen: My sincere condolences on Jim´s passing. Sending you and your family much love and support.
Ginny Crispell
Steve Cranford
May 1, 2025
Steve Cranford
May 1, 2025
Steve Cranford
May 1, 2025
STEVE CRANFORD
May 1, 2025
John Marth
May 1, 2025
Sorry to read about Jim's passing.I graduated with Jim in 1963. He was quite popular among the DeMatha family. The best to the family and friends..... John Marth 63
Robert F ODonnell
May 1, 2025
My condolences to Jimmy and family. Spent time with Jimmy early in life.
lisa burnett
May 1, 2025
Gretchen, I am sending you and your family much love. So sad to hear this, I know he fought for a long time. Much Love!
Teri Fulton
May 1, 2025
Sending you and your family much love and condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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Funeral services provided by:
The Island Funeral Home & Crematory4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head, SC 29926
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