In Remembrance

James Pappas, 83, died unexpectedly Thursday, November 6, 2014 at his home in Duluth.

Jim was born in Chisholm, Minnesota. After graduating from Chisholm High School in 1949, he moved to Duluth where he met and married his bride of 62 years, Rae Ann(Gagnon) Pappas. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. Following his military service he attended UMD where he earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology/biology. After working for many years at St. Luke’s Hospital, he was asked to start the medical laboratory technician program for the Duluth Area Technical Institute. He trained countless numbers of students to be competent lab techs as well as teaching them to be hardworking people with great attitudes.

Jim’s love of the outdoors drew him to his post academic careers as a tree farm manager, and logger. He was the beloved owner of Pappy’s Christmas Trees.

Jim was a vivacious renaissance man; his creative intelligence spilled into all aspects of his dynamic life. He had an unbelievable love and passion for music, nature, laughter and life. Jim never met a piano he didn’t like, always willing to share a song or two with a story. His passionate attitude, gregarious spirit, and true grit will live on in those who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife Rae Ann; 8 children, Andrew (Jeannie) Pappas, Ann Pappas, Michael (Cindy) Pappas, Julie Lyttle, George (Connie) Pappas, Christine (Jim) Nelson, Nicole (Michael) Murray, Peter (Candy) Pappas; 23 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; extended family and many “Best Buddies”.

He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Sarah and son Samuel.
Visitation will begin 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 11th, followed by 12:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd., Duluth, Fr. William Fider officiating. Burial will take place at Calvary cemetery, military honors accorded by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard. Funeral by Affordable Cremation & Burial, 218-491-7011, affordableduluth.com