Obituary: James C. “Jim” Maheras, 87, Longtime Owner of Jerry Jingle Restaurant

Obituary from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home:

James C. “Jim” Maheras, 87, devoted husband of Mary (Bezemes) Maheras of Peabody, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 3, 2014.

Jim was born on September 28, 1926, in Ayios Petros, Greece, son of the late Constantine and Lucretia (Dais) Maheras. He was raised and educated in Greece and due to the fact that he was born with an American Citizenship, he fought in the Greek Resistance and was honorably discharged following WWII. In 1946 he came to the United States making his home in Newton, and in 1950 he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served until being honorably discharged on October 15, 1952.

Jim met his wife of 58 years while working as a manager at the BelAire Diner in Peabody, and then went on to own and operate the Jerry Jingle Restaurant in Melrose for over three decades. After retirement, his days were filled with cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with his family. His greatest joy was his grandchildren whom he cherished. Those who knew him best will remember him as a champion for the underdog. Jim was a member of several clubs, The Order of Ahepa, The St. Vasilios Men’s Club and the Masonic Temple in Melrose.

In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by his three daughters and their spouses, Lucretia and Michael Bresnahan, Christina and Joseph Votto, and Matina and Stephen Cassidy all of Peabody; six grandchildren, Maria Bresnahan, Joseph Votto, Demetra Votto, Mary Votto, Demetri Cassidy and Zoe Cassidy all of Peabody; a niece, Marina Angelopoulos of Chicago and many other nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Matina Mousoutis of Greece.

His family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, April 7, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 9 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a service at 10 a.m. at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Vasilios Men’s Club, Handicap Access Fund, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody, MA 01960. Burial in Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem.

Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.