Demetrios Mihalis Fountos (James Michael Foondos)

James Michael Foondos, a longtime Sacramento resident, died July 9. He was 78.Jim was born Sept. 17, 1928, in Athens, Greece, to Michael and Zaferia Fountos of Andros, Greece. Continuing the rich shipping tradition of Andros, Jim served in the Royal Greek Navy and as a merchant marine before emigrating to the United States in 1951.As a young man, Jim was a talented painter, who studied art at Sacramento City College. Jim had a discriminating eye for design, which was evident in his works."Jim was beyond the amateur stage when it came to art," said longtime friend Greg Kondos. "He had an artistic feel for his surroundings and was especially adept with the human figure."He met his wife of 34 years, Georgia Fantages (1934-1990), in Sacramento, where they were married in January of 1956. After honeymooning in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Jim returned every summer to vacation with his family and a close circle of friends. An avid golfer, he spent many early mornings on the numerous courses in the Carmel Valley.Jim remained close to his family in Greece, taking many trips to his parent's home island, Andros, with his sisters.Known for his honesty and pragmatic business sense, Jim was the Northern California region agency manager for Principal Mutual Life Insurance (Bankers Life), highlighting a 40-year affiliation with the company. He was a Certified Life Underwriter since 1965.As a past president, Jim was active in the Dynamis Hellenic Association since its inception. Generous and thoughtful, Jim could always be counted on to help a friend in need. His advice was valued and sought by many. Dr. John Evrigenis met Jim in 1956. "We used to play handball at the Sacramento Elks Club in the 1960s," said Evrigenis, who has golfed with Foondos for over 30 years. "Jim loved Greece. He loved America. He loved good food and good company. He was fun to be around. He had a great zest for life." "He was a man of exquisite and simple tastes'" said longtime friend Angelo Tsakopoulos. "Jim was an excellent entertainer to his friends."We will all miss his good-natured sense of humor and his charismatic personality. He was the true patriarch of his family.He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Mary Fountos and Anna Karantzi of Athens; his six children, Michael Foondos, Stanley Foondos, Zaferia Jamie Cambra, Georganna Sinadinos, Theodore Foondos and Stephen Foondos; and his twelve grandchildren, all of the Sacramento area.The Trisiagon will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12. The Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 13.Both services will take place at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, located at 600 Alhambra Blvd. in Sacramento.Please send any donations to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 600 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95816. Please sign the online guest book at www.legacy.com/rosevillept.