Jim Boyazis

After a long and incredible life, and very short illness, Jim Boyazis was called home to the Lord surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 86 years young.  With his loving wife Jean of 60 years, his daughter Kathy Daetwyler and her children Ryan, Stephanie, Nicholas, and Gabrielle and his son Steve Boyazis, daughter-in-law Tamara and their kids Demi and Andrew at his side he passed peacefully and with a heart full of love for all the family and friends he’s shared his life with.

To the very end, his curiosity for all things going on in the world from politics and history to investing and fixing just about anything; incredible sense of humor; love of sports; and passion for being with others shone through to those around him. In fact, he met Jean at a softball tournament in 1961, and was still playing golf and pickle ball 4 times a week until just a few months ago.  After growing up in Warren, Ohio, graduating from Youngstown State University as an Industrial Engineer and serving in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant, Jim and Jean began their life together in Akron. Over the next few years, he completed his Juris Doctorate degree at the University of Akron and started his career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber.  After working in many different Goodyear businesses, and in many states and countries, Jim became Vice President, Secretary and Associate General Counsel in 1987, serving in that capacity until he retired in 2000.

His “can do anything” passion for life led him to living in Greece; building our family home with our uncles; steering everything from the Goodyear blimp, a nuclear submarine, and a tank, to a steam engine and a jet airplane; racing a soap box derby car; flying in the Concord; shooting his age in golf over 10 separate years; and even winning the church “men who cook” chef award for his skordalia.  He loved a good Greek dance and fast car, was a crossword puzzle wiz, and took great pride in his ability to scare the geese off their dock.  But with all that, the thing Jim and Jean probably enjoyed most was coaching and being around the kids and their friends whether as part of GOYA, the church or community. They never missed one of their kid’s or grandchildren’s events and adored them all.  To his Greek, fireman, golf, health club, neighbors, Friday night dinner crew and work friends – we feel like we know you all through his fondness for you and his incredible ability to share your stories with us.   Through him, you have brought so much joy to our lives.  Thank you.

Jim will be remembered in our hearts as a brilliant, humble, family man who never stopped loving our mom from the first day they met.  He was always there for the best advice, support or care we could ask for, and will be missed dearly.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Spiro and Katina Boyazis; and In-laws, Gordon and Era Exum. He is survived by great grandson, Matthew Daetwyler; his twin brother, Mike, sister, Sylvia, her husband, Jim and the wonderful Boyazis, Davakis, Barshal and Parsonis families of nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 129 South Union Street, Akron 44034 at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 12, 2023.  Prior to the funeral service, from 10:00 AM till 11:00 AM there will be calling hours at the church.  Immediately following the services on Saturday, the family invites all of those that cared for him so much to join us for a celebration of his life lunch (makaria) in the church social hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jim to the Bartz Camp Scholarship Fund on the church website.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.