Jim Zaphiris

Jim (James William) Zaphiris, 53, of Meadville, PA, passed away on August 10, 2022 at UPMC Hamot surrounded by his family. He was born on November 12, 1968 in Erie, PA to Margaret (Florek) Zaphiris and the late William J. Zaphiris.

Jim was an unmatched force of life in all that he did and to all he met. He was a loving and devoted dad to his son, Loukas. He and Dawn shared the duties of parenting Loukas in the most beautiful and respectful ways, shaping him into an amazing young man ready to carry on his father’s legacy. Jim was a caring son, brother, and uncle and was known to his friends as “Zappy.” Forming countless relationships and connections with co-workers, classmates, family, and friends with ease, he made time for everyone and loved all unselfishly and without judgement.

Jim was well known for his fun-loving nature, quick wit, and zest for life that touched the lives of those he knew. He was a prankster; always ready to crack a joke and share a smile. Jim was loud and boisterous, yet contemplative; he was intelligent and generous. He was a storage vault of endless facts, a wearer of shorts in the middle of winter, and a dog lover, especially Gryffin, Sadie and Abby. Surprisingly, Jim never entered the PGA tour despite his hundreds of games of Putt Putt with Loukas. He baked legendary gingerbread cookies and made countless candy canes and ribbon candy at the Ritz, his family’s candy store in Corry, PA. He was a fixture at the annual Pig Roast and renowned for his ‘bug sprayer’ filled with the secret concoction. A true fan of all sports, he often showed up randomly at sporting events to give his support to players and families. Jim was the epitome of service to others, working behind the scenes doing random acts of kindness to help in a moment of need or just to brighten someone’s day. He touched the lives of many through his final selfless act of organ donation.

Jim worked in sales and finance in the automobile industry for over 20 years, most recently at the Greater Erie Auto Auction. He attended University of Dayton and Edinboro University, and was a graduate of Corry Area High School (Class of 1987).

Jim is survived by his son, Loukas, and treasured friend Dawn (Mosher) Zaphiris. He is also survived by his mother, Margaret (Florek) Zaphiris, and eight siblings: Therese (Tom) Alcorn of Oil City, PA; Bill (Helen) Zaphiris of Kernersville, NC; Peter (Dana) Zaphiris of Fairview, PA; Dr. Anne (Dr. Thomas Mack) Zaphiris of North East, PA; Christopher (Tami) Zaphiris of Anderson, SC; Maggie (Rich) Shopene of Corry, PA; John (Marion) Zaphiris of Erie, PA; and Mary (Dr. Jon) Vanderweele of North East, PA.

Jim is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Patrick (Rachel) and Andrew (Shalyna) Johnson and Matthew (Anna Marie Owoc) Alcorn; Zeb (Jami) Raines and Madison Zaphiris; Nikolaos (Anine Pirquet), Peter 'Alec' (Helen Tullio), and Jack Zaphiris; Aidan Zaphiris Mack; David and Eric Zaphiris; Zachary (Leah) and Alexander Shopene; Samantha, Ava, and Tyler Zaphiris; and Will and Kai Vanderweele. He is also a great uncle to Roman, Ezekiel, Elijah, Liam, Cayson, and Veil.

Family and friends are invited to visit the Burton Quinn Scott (West Ridge) 3801 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16506 on Monday August 15th from 2 - 8 p.m. and attend a Funeral Mass on Tuesday, August 16th at 10 a.m. at Saint George Roman Catholic Church, 5145 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16509. Memorials may be made to Meadville Area Recreation Complex (MARC) at 800 Thurston Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

To sign the guest book or send condolences visit: burtonquinnscott.com.