Demetrios "James" Pappageorge of Spring, TX passed away peacefully in his sleep early on Monday, May 9th at the age of 85. Born and raised in Chicago, James played football at Valporaiso University. He also served in the US Navy from 1958 to 1962 on the USS Barry. After marriage and beginning his family with his wife Christine, James moved to Wheaton because, in his own words, "It was the best place to raise kids." In Wheaton he opened a small restaurant called The Front St. Junction, and became an active member of the Jaycees and the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. Later he purchased The Big Banjo Restaurant on Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn addng live blues & jazz, Friday night movie classics, and all sorts of family entertainment while earning the distinction of "Best Thin Crust Pizza in Chicagoland" by the Chicago Sun Times. As the President of the Board of the Wheaton Park District, James supervised the acquisition and development of many public spaces including 7 Gables Park and Cosley Zoo. After a turn of events, James moved to The Woodlands, TX to design and open more restaurants for investors and entrepreneurs in the area of fine dining including Aesop's Table and Players Choice. He loved his family more than anything else in the world. And he also loved movies, the Chicago Bears, good food, and great friends.

James is survived by his boys Demetrios and Michael, Demetrios's wife Amy, his son-in-law David Kimball, grandchildren Eleni, Anastasia, Sophia, Alex, and Andrew, and great grandchildren Taso and Amalia. Preceding James is his beloved daughter Gigi Kimball and former wife Christine. Visitation and prayers will be Monday, May 16th from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, 430 S. Roosevelt Rd., Wheaton, IL.