James P. Callas

Callas, James Peter “Jim” age 98 of Elmira, NY, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the Corning Guthrie Hospital. Jim was born July 1, 1919 in Utica, NY the son of the late Peter and Helen (Lampros) Callas. Named Socrates Peter at birth his god parents changed his name to Dimitrius (James) Peter at his baptism. He was predeceased by his loving wife and companion of 66 years, Margaret, on April 18, 2017. Surviving is his son: Peter J. Callas of St. Cloud, FL; daughters and sons-in-law: Penelope and David Allington of Pine City, NY, Catharine Callas and Patrick Filliben of Elmira, NY, and Georgia and Thomas Rennie of Pine City, NY; Grandchildren: Andrea and Mark Badurak, Jerid and Kelly Allington, Carolyn Rennie and Kevin Falkenberg, Colleen Rennie; Great Grandchildren: Ava, Kaitlin, and Luna and Sister: Stella Callas Bertholf of Binghamton, NY along with several generations of nieces and nephews. Jim was the second of seven children, five of which predeceased him, in a proud immigrant Greek family.In service to his country, Jim served in the Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre earning the Asiatic Pacific Service, Good Conduct, and WWII Victory Medals. He worked alongside his father and later owned and operated the family business, Elmira Hat Cleaning and Shoe Shine. “The Store” served as the social center of downtown Elmira and the unofficial communications hub for several generations of Elmirians.Family and friends are invited to calling hours at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 304 N. Main Street, Elmira, NY Saturday, October 28, 2017 from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Memorial services will follow in the sanctuary. Graveside services will follow at the convenience of the family with full military honors accorded in the Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, NY.Memorial donations in James P. Callas' name can be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church, 304 N. Main Street, Elmira, NY. In honor of Jim please give a coin to someone this coming New Year’s Day to wish them wealth and luck in the new year, a tradition he kept for many years at his family’s annual Soup Day gathering and remember in the words of Jimmy Callas “If I don’t see you again, hello”