Obituary of James J. Sakaris

James J. Sakaris, 80 years, formerly of Peabody and Salem, husband of the late Elizabeth (Klangos) Sakaris, died Sunday at the Sunbridge Care and Rehabilitation Center in East Longmeadow. Mr. Sakaris was born May 18, 1923 in Peabody son of the late John J. and Angelina (Corneotis) Sakaris. He was raised and educated in Peabody and resided in the city for most of his life. From 1993 to 2000 he was a resident of Salem. During WWII, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps with the Second Marine Division in the Asiatic Pacific area from 1943 to 1945. He participated in action against the enemy at Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa and Theya Shima. Following the war Mr. Sakaris returned to the restaurant industry as a chef first at the former Commodore Restaurant and Sword and Shield Restaurant both of Beverly and retired in 1993 as head chef from Cabot Place in Beverly after 55 years of service to the industry. He was a life member of the Marine Corps League, VFW Fidelity Post 1011 both in Peabody and the D.A.V. in Boston. He loved dancing, singing and cooking. Mr. Sakaris is survived by 2 daughters, Athena McIntyre and her companion Michael Gamache of Maine, Gale and her husband Kenan Young of Oxford; 3 sisters, Anastasia Sakaris, Helen Luis both of Peabody and Mary Pagliarini of Malden; 2 grandchildren, Gretchen Studeny of Worcester and Jared Studeny of Lanesborough and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Georgia Coogan. His funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody. Relatives and friends may pay their respects at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 12 Chestnut St., Peabody location (978-531-0398) Saturday from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vasilios Altar Fund, 7 Paleologos St., Peabody MA 01960.