HAVERHIL - James G. Bilmazes, 86, of Haverhill, MA completed the final chapter to his life story on June 3, 2018, after his daughters lovingly put him to bed, where he fell asleep for the last time. His story began on January 17, 1932 when he was born to George and Maria (Hatzidakis) Bilmazes. He attended Haverhill Public Schools and graduated from Haverhill High School in 1949. James was Airman First Class in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Upon his return from the Air Force, he began working at the former Western Electric and then retired from the former Lucent Technologies and was a member of the Pioneers.

The next chapter of his life included his being introduced to his true love, Maria (Karalis) Bilmazes with whom he shared 54 years of marriage prior to her passing in July 2014. Together, they experienced the joy of raising four girls. James and Maria enjoyed traveling with their family, affectionately known as little monsters. Whether it was car trips in the station wagon to Canada to visit Maria's brothers, where James served as mediator and operator of the eight-track cassette player, or the several cruises they enjoyed. A quiet unassuming man, James took on the role of advocate for his younger daughter, making sure she reached her fullest potential. This responsibility he passed on to his daughter Joanne.

He also worked tirelessly for the Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, be it garnering pledges when he was a newlywed for the building of the new church community center, helping with the Sunday School and PTA, or serving on the Board of Directors and as President of the Church Community.

His illness was a final lesson in courage, strength and humility for his daughters. When faced with adversity, you should not give up on what you believe in, just because you are told to. His illness taught them they could face more adversity than they ever thought they could. One can stand up for what they believed in, and at times they may be tired. Today they rest knowing they did the best they could for the Dad who called his daughter his million-dollar baby. Hopefully you understand on June 3, 2018 our million-dollar dad passed away. It was a true honor to be the last persons to take care of our Dad. As you sang many times, Dad, during your illness, God Bless America and God Bless you and Mom.

Dad, you are now free to go to the beach with Mom and eat whatever you want, be it rice or Chocolate Cake.

Tonight, Dance in Heaven, both your arms and legs work again, and there is no pain. Till we meet again, we love you......

He leaves his daughters Joanne, Catherine, and Georgia of Haverhill, Elaine (Ian) Mansfield of Plaistow, NH and two granddaughters he adored, Maria and Sarah Mansfield of Plaistow, NH. He also leaves a sister Aristea DiCarlo, of Trumbell, CT, and brothers in law Nicholaos (Diane) Karalis, Woodstock Ont. Gus Karalis, Smith Falls, Ont. and Panayiotis Karalis Athens, Greece, several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his sister Christine Bilmazes, Brother in Law Nicholas DiCarlo, and sister in law Theodora Karalis.

Mr. James and his family would not have made it through the last two years and longer, without the love and support of Florence his caretaker. She has been with us since his first diagnosis and was the first person we called when we needed help. At our worst moments. she stood by and supported us and was always with us. We would be remiss to not mention Joe, our second hands. They are the true meaning of caring, Christian, and compassion.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, June 7, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 So. Main Street, Haverhill from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Service will begin Friday in the funeral home at 10:00 AM. Funeral Service in Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154 Winter Street, Haverhill at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. Donations can be sent to Shared Living Collaborative or American Training. For guestbook, please visit www.driscollcares.com