Obituary of Father James Karagas

Father Jim Karagas, 61, passed away on Tuesday morning, October 1, 2024, at home, in the loving arms of his wife Laurie.  Born in Gary Indiana on April 13, 1963.  Fr Jim endured a long, 37yr battle with MS and has been part of the MS Research Team headed by Dr Stephen Hauser, for 35yrs.  Jim always said “I don’t know if help will arrive in time for me, but I pray it will make a difference for our children and grandchildren”.  Job Well Done Honey!

Jim is preceded in death by his parents John Karagas and Frances (Kitakis) Karagas, daughter Francine Ann Karagas, brothers Kerry Karagas and Mark Karagas, brother-in-laws Raymond Melevage and Alan Melevage.  He is survived by his wife of 43yrs Laurie (Melevage) Karagas, daughters Kelly Gladys (David)  O’Dell-Karagas and Athena (Shane) Odell.  Grandchildren Gabriel, Patrick, Liam, GraceAnn, Sebastian and Alexander.  Sister Celeste (Dan) Underwood, brother John (Leigh) Karagas, sisters-in-law Bernadette (Duke) Pakalniskis and Lynnette (Dale) Fredericks.  Aunt Irene (Kovakas) Chiotakis and Uncle Jim (Penny) Kovakas.  Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces/nephews.

Fr Jim was an intelligent (MENSA) and funny man!  Never at a loss for a warm smile and good joke.  He Graduated Indiana University Northwest in 1986 with degrees in Medical Technology, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, MBA and Philosophy.  Jim established himself as a successful Laboratory Sales Manager in Indiana.  In 1989 he entered seminary at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary in Brookline, MA.  In 1993 he earned his Masters of Divinity.  He was ordained to the Diaconate in May, 1993 and into the Holy Priesthood on July 11, 1993 in Birmingham, AL.

Fr Jim’s first parish was at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Clearwater, FL from 1993-1995.  From 1995-1999 he was assigned to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Augusta, FL.  From 1999 to 2003, he served at St Basil’s Academy as Assistant Director and Chaplin.  Due to his advanced MS, Fr Jim could no longer serve a parish full time but continued to serve at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Birmingham, AL, and finally at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Biloxi, MS.  Fr Jim was instrumental in helping the parish through Hurricane Katrina.

His pastoral intervention was incredible.  Many will attest to experiencing Our Lord’s healing through the prayers and anointing by Fr Jim.

Jim loved his family with all his heart!  He loved having his grandchildren with him until his dying day.  He loved music, riding his wave runner and a good joke!  He was always learning!  His smile, good nature and love of his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ truly brightened everyone he touched.  The world lost a Bright Light!  May His Memory Be Eternal!  Axios!  ἄξιος

MS Research Program

Please make contributions payable to “UCSF Foundation” and note the purpose as supporting “Dr. Hauser’s MS research in honor of Jim”. 

 Gifts can be made by mail or credit card online: https://giving.ucsf.edu/ways-to-give/payment-options-and-faq (https://giving.ucsf.edu/ways-to-give/payment-options-and-faq)

Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church for an Icon in memory of Fr Jim Karagas.

https://kimisisny.square.site/product/in-memory-of-donation