James Vaonakis

James "Jim" Vaonakis, 86, of Frederick, Maryland, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer's Dementia. He was the loving husband of Mary Ann Vaonakis. They were happily married and in love for 63 years until her passing on July 28, 2024. Born on October 4, 1937 in Wheeling, WV, he was the son of the late Peter and Mary Kortsos Vaonakis.

He was a graduate of Wheeling High School, class of 1956 in Wheeling, WV. Jim served in the US Air Force from 1957 to 1961. He worked for North American Van Lines and then settled into his job at Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission as an Engineer Assistant and dispatcher. He retired in 1998 after 28 years of service.

Jim was a member of Peace in Christ Lutheran Church for 20 years. His hobbies included his wood shop at home, building furniture and creating custom items for family and friends and working on his cars. He enjoyed celebrating his Greek heritage with family gatherings, food and music.

Jim is survived by his children, John Vaonakis and wife Linda, Angela Mullins and Gregory Vaonakis and wife Erin as well as his cherished 7 grandchildren: Johnny and wife Sophia, Gina, Nathaniel and wife Gabi, Haley, Garrett, Sophia and Phoenix. He is also survived by his sisters, Anastacia Vaonakis and Elizabeth McKee and her husband Vince. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Steve Vaonakis and wife Mary and Gus Vaonakis.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 10 from 10 to 11 am at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 am in the chapel of the funeral home, Pastor Bradley Singer will officiate. Interment will follow at Glade Cemetery, in Walkersville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to The Alzheimer's Foundation, in his memory.