James ‘Jimmy’ H. Stratigos – North Huntingdon
James “Jimmy” H. Stratigos passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at his home in North Huntingdon. Mr. Stratigos was born on Oct. 5, 1936, in Milopotoamos, a small village on the island of Kythera, Greece. At the age of 13, he immigrated to America and was placed into a first-grade classroom because he did not know the language. However, his lack of knowledge was no barrier to his desire to learn and be successful. When his father, Harry G. Stratigos, first came to America, he shared a message with him that would forever fuel a passion to create something extraordinary: “America is the land where you can build your dream, the land of opportunity. If you’re willing to work, have faith in God and love your family, you can have anything you dream.” Following graduation from McKeesport High School, he attended the Culinary Institute, where he further explored his love to cook, create and serve others. While studying, he so proudly served his country United States Army Reserves, offering six years of service. James and his father opened their first catering service in 1957. Operating out of their basement home in White Oak, along with a hollowed-out 1949 Packard, they worked together to cater events. While working toward his dream of becoming a chef, he met his beloved wife, Stella Xenia Stamoulis, of Trenton, N.J., whom he happily married in 1960. With the support of his devoted wife and parents, Jimmy expanded his once-small basement-operated catering business into a family empire. By 1965, the business outgrew their home and into a facility on Lincoln Way in White Oak. Here, the business grew from one Volkswagen catering bus to a fleet of over 20 trucks. He became the exclusive caterer of Kennywood Park, Gateway Clipper Fleet, church halls and numerous event centers in the greater Pittsburgh area. In 2003, his dream continued to come true as he and his son, Harry James, opened up the Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon. Mr. Stratigos’s son Harry and grandson Jimmy share his love for cooking and have continued his legacy at Stratigos Banquet Centre. In 2022, the father-son duo took on a new location, naming it “The James Room” to honor and pay tribute to his legacy. Jimmy was always challenged to do more and do better. Being in the food industry for decades, he witnessed much poverty and all the challenges that come with it. Like so many immigrants, he truly understood what it was like to be hungry. With this life experience, Jimmy was humbled and honored to help feed the less fortunate and support anyone in need. James was very proud of his Greek Orthodox faith and heritage. He devoted much of his life to the Annunciation Church in White Oak, where he served two years as parish president. His passion for the faith was recognized by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas, who honored him for his years of devotion to the Church with the St. Photios award in 2016. Mr. Stratigos was a man known for his pure passion to serve his family and community and was adored by so many. Jimmy will forever be remembered for his sense of humor, smiling face and warm embrace. We will never forget his love for America, kindness, hospitality and humility. James Stratigos is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Stella X. Stratigos; and their four children, George, Roula (Jim), Harry and Maria (Stelio). He also leaves a legacy behind for their 10 beautiful grandchildren, Stella, Sophia, Christina; Antegoni (Dimitri), Pavlos, Stellanie; Alexandra (Ethan), Jimmy; Niko and Demitra, along with their wonderful koumbari, beloved godchildren, Stamatia and Demetri; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. His grandchildren have countless memories of their beloved Pappou, one of which being a modern food critic of everywhere he went … he loved the foot-long hot dog and banana split from the Dairy Queen in White Oak! His memory will continue to live on as we continue to create in the kitchen, share compassion with God’s people, and remember to live out the possibilities of the American dream. Family and friends will gather at STRIFFLERS OF WHITE OAK CREMATION AND MORTUARY SERVICES INC., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177) on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 3 until 8 p.m. (traditional Greek Orthodox Trisagion Service at 6 p.m.). There will be an additional gathering period at the Annunciation of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 1128 Summit St., White Oak, PA 15131, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Monday, June 5, 2023. Following the church service, a burial will take place at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Elizabeth Township. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy’s memory to 412 Food Rescue (6140 Station St., Pittsburgh, PA 15206), the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in White Oak or a church of your choice. May his memory be eternal.
