James G. Nikas

James G Nikas of Ipswich passed away Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the age of 100. He was born in Ipswich on January 8, 1918 to the late George and Vasiliki (Karambelos) Nikas  who emigrated from Greece in 1903. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Sirmo J (Rellas)Nikas.

He was a lifelong resident of Ipswich. He graduated from Ipswich High School, where he played football. During this time he also played semi-pro football with the Red Raiders and semi-pro baseball.  He was a life guard on Cranes Beach. He was a member of the Merchant Marines during World War II. He was a member of the American Legion.  He worked for the Salem Evening News retiring from there at the age of 70 and was a member of the Typographers Union. He served on the church board for many years and was a lifelong parishioner of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church.  He was also a member of the AHEPA. He spent many years riding his motorcycle down to Florida for the winter and coming back to Ipswich in the spring.

He is also survived by his loving children Valerie (Nikas) Zaccardi of Franklin and George D Nikas and his wife Diane (Shanholtz) Nikas of Colora, Maryland.  He was a loving Papou to his grandchildren Angela M Zaccardi and Nathan J Zaccardi of Franklin and Jessica A Nikas of Colora, MD. He is further survived by three Sisters in law Sophie Nikas of Ipswich, Barbara Nikas of Ipswich and Claudette M Rellas of Mesquite, AZ.Also several beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Mr. Nikas was predeceased by his siblings, Ret. Lt. Col. US Air Force Arthur Nikas and his wife Betty, Andrew Nikas and his wife Bertha, Panayiota (Pota) Nikas and her husband Earl Mace, Mary Nikas and her husband Michael Foustoukos, Nicholas Nikas and Ernest (Tucker) Nikas. He was also predeceased by beloved nieces Karen Foustoukos, and Elizabeth (Nikas) Markos, nephews George Nikas, and Ret. Capt. US Air Force Stephen M. Foustoukos and great-nephews, Daniel Nikas and Andrew Nikas.

Visiting hours are Wednesday November 7, 2018 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at Morris Funeral Home, 45 North Main Street, Ipswich, MA 01938. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at 10:00 am at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 8 Lafayette Rd, Ipswich, MA 01938. To send a condolence to the Nikas family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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