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James John Papoulas (1926-2005)

James John Papoulas of Craig, died June 27, 2005. He was 78.

Papoulas was born Sept. 15, 1926, in Helper, Utah, to Leona and John Papoulas. His father was in the sheep business and moved to Routt County in 1926. The family moved to Craig in 1939.

Papoulas attended school in Craig and was a standout athlete, having been selected to all-state squads in basketball and football his senior year, and graduated from Moffat County High School in 1944. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to play football at the University of Denver but instead opted to join the Navy to serve his country in World War II. After returning from the war, he attended the University of Utah and later joined his father in the sheep business.



Papoulas married Mary Ruth Hendricks in 1950 and had two children. He was active in the Wool Growers, having served as president of the Moffat County Wool Growers Association and as president of the Colorado Wool Growers Association. He was an avid sports enthusiast and particularly enjoyed golf and skiing. As a member of St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, he held positions of treasurer and president. Following the family tradition, Papoulas was joined by his son, John, and stayed active in the sheep business until his death.

Papoulas is survived by his wife, Mary Ruth; son, John (Ann) of Craig; daughter, Patricia (Mike) D’Onofrio of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren, Callie Papoulas, Michael D’Onofrio, Jamie D’Onofrio and John D’Onofrio; mother, Leona; and sisters, Angie (Hank) Knoche of Denver and Katherine Astin of Salt Lake City.



Papoulas was preceded in death by his father, John Papoulas, brother-in-law, John, and sister, Mary Jennings.

Services were July 2, 2005, at St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Makarios Manos officiating. Trisagion was July 1, 2005, at Grant Mortuary Chapel.

Pallbearers were John Knoche, Randy Knoche, Jeff Knoche, Chris Knoche, Jim Austin and Harry Peroulis.

Honorary pallbearers were “All Jim’s family and his many friends.”

Interment was in Craig Cem–etery.


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