Jim Ballas

Mr. Jim Ballas passed away in the hands of the Lord on Monday, February 1, 2021 at the age of 71. He was born in Marathia, Greece, on September 2, 1949 and is preceded in death by his parents, Anthanasios Ballas and Penelope Makkas Ballas, his brother George (Loula) Ballas and his brother-in-law James Nicopoulos. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 36 years, Dimitra Bakola Ballas of Mavromata, Greece, his three devoted sons, Thanasis, George and Antoni Ballas; his brother Gus (Soula) Ballas of Winston-Salem; and his sister, Maria Nicopoulos of High Point. Nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews have loved Jim as they would their own father. Jim Ballas immigrated to the United States in 1963 at the age of 14. He attended Andrews High School in High Point, NC. Jim started a successful career in the restaurant industry as the original owner of the Winston-Salem staple, the Grecian Corner, and went on to own several other local establishments, including Zorbas, Captain’s Galley Seafood and Uncle Harvey’s. Jim was a lifelong member of the Evrytanian Association of America and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Winston-Salem, where in 2014 he was the recipient of the Archangel Michael Award. Jim was committed to helping those in need and always made himself available for community causes. He was especially passionate about the Greek Festival because he loved conversing with friends and working to spread the cuisines and traditions of his people to local patrons. He started each day with a cup of coffee at Grecian Corner with his nephews Angelo and Tommy. After visiting other family members throughout the day, Jim would spend time in his greenhouse caring for his plants and then would end his night watching a Greek Soap Opera with his wife. He was an attentive father to his three sons, ensuring they were supported through school, business ventures and any opportunity for personal growth. Jim's impact on his family and community will be dearly missed. The Trisagion and Funeral will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021 at noon at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Father George Kouzelis officiating. The interment will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27104 or online at www.wsgoc.org. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.