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WILLIAMSBURG — James “Mike” Kokolis, a Greek entrepreneur who owned, operated and managed numerous restaurants and hotels in the Williamsburg metropolitan area over the past half century, has recently passed away after a long illness. he was 84 years old.
According to those who knew him, Kokolis was known for his humor and wit, friendliness and generosity. He died on his 12th January, and services were held on his 15th and 16th January.
Not only does Kokolis personally own a number of tourist businesses, but he also founded AJ & L. Inc. with two other Greek immigrants – Angelo Magellas and Lakis “Lucky” Florakis. Throughout the 1990s, businesses in the area played an important role in his community.
Born in Vasilica, Greece on February 22, 1938, Kokolis came to the United States in 1955. Knowing a little English, he was able to find work, first in a house behind a restaurant in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and then in Winchester, his wife Paula recalled earlier this week.
“He was the sweetest, kindest, and sweetest person I’ve ever met,” she said.The two had been married for 53 years.
Kokolis came to Williamsburg in 1959 and opened a small snack shop on Scotland Street, not far from the William & Mary campus. Soon, his love affair with the university began, and students flocked to his delicatessen and later his restaurant.
Kokolis’ first owned restaurant in Williamsburg was the Southern Pancake House on Richmond Road. He was also involved with Paul’s His Deli’s Colonial Deli, now on Scotland Street.
His last venture was the Gazebo restaurant, which later became Denny’s on Bypass Road in York County, opened in 1983, and the adjacent Country Inn (later the Comfort Inn, which opened in 1989).
Kokolis’ relationship with William & Mary and their students has always been strong, says son Mario. “He got on well with the students…and they became good friends,” he said.
Mario Cocolis recalled the occasion when “some students were coming to eat sandwiches” and asked if they could pay “tomorrow, if I had the money”. Please clean my window and eat my sandwich. ”
As a young man, Mike Cocolis was a football fan and soon became involved in William & Mary’s football program.
Al Albert, who was W&M’s football coach from 1971 to 2003, said: He became a soccer parent.
Albert said Kokolis’ interest in football never faded. He attended games, hosted a pancake breakfast fundraiser, and was “probably the biggest financial supporter of anyone in the community at the time.
“We were such good friends that I went to tell him I was the new William & Mary coach before the announcement was made. I traveled to Greece with the team when I played in the tournament,” Albert added.
W&M’s longtime women’s soccer coach, John Daly, received similar support from Kokolis for his programme.
Kokolis also assisted William & Mary as an organization and was an honorary graduate in 2005.
“If he wasn’t in the restaurant business, I think he would have wanted to be a professor. He really enjoyed history,” said his daughter, Georganne Mallis. “He read a lot and loved education.”
Several friends have praised his ability to get along with others and his encouraging nature. He said that they drink coffee together two or three times a week.
Zaharopoulos, who previously owned Sal’s Restaurant on Capitol Landing Road, said Kokolis was “very attentive to his customers. He approached them and talked to them. He got along with everyone.”
“He was very proud to be an American. I knew America would give him, his family and friends many opportunities,” Zahropoulos added. “Above all, he was humble.”
Mia Spears said her uncle “always felt that he could learn something from someone. He was special and will be missed.”
wilford kale kalehouse@aol.com
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