Obituary for DEMETRIOS "JIM" KAFKIS
With profound sadness we say goodbye to our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend Demetrios "Jim" Kafkis who passed away in hospital the morning of Thursday, July 29, 2021 at the age of 84.
In 1964, he left behind everyone and everything he loved in his hometown of Filiatra, Greece to come to Toronto, Canada as a carpenter to be with his wife; they’ve been married 58 years. Demetri arrived with nothing but a wooden suitcase he made himself and the few items that fit inside. We still have that suitcase today! The first word he learned in English was “job”, as he set off immediately to find one. He was tough, worked very hard and was fearless! He was not one to mess with, but he also had a softer side - a side his wife, twin sons, family and friends knew. A man of few words and a good listener; strong, loyal, humble, honest, kind, sensitive, generous, always positive and greeted everyone with a big smile. He had a sense of humour, enjoyed a good laugh, was social and liked to have a good time. He enjoyed the simple things in life - often with a glass of red wine in his hand and someone to enjoy it with. "Αέβα το πρώτο!" he would be heard saying as he raised his glass. He loved his family deeply and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. He truly was a dear man; admired and loved by so many. He will be missed!
In 1964, he left behind everyone and everything he loved in his hometown of Filiatra, Greece to come to Toronto, Canada as a carpenter to be with his wife; they’ve been married 58 years. Demetri arrived with nothing but a wooden suitcase he made himself and the few items that fit inside. We still have that suitcase today! The first word he learned in English was “job”, as he set off immediately to find one. He was tough, worked very hard and was fearless! He was not one to mess with, but he also had a softer side - a side his wife, twin sons, family and friends knew. A man of few words and a good listener; strong, loyal, humble, honest, kind, sensitive, generous, always positive and greeted everyone with a big smile. He had a sense of humour, enjoyed a good laugh, was social and liked to have a good time. He enjoyed the simple things in life - often with a glass of red wine in his hand and someone to enjoy it with. "Αέβα το πρώτο!" he would be heard saying as he raised his glass. He loved his family deeply and never had a harsh word to say about anyone. He truly was a dear man; admired and loved by so many. He will be missed!