James A. Collis, "Jim," age 77, passed away on November 3, 2022, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

He was born on August 6, 1945, in Domiani, Evrytania, Greece, to Evangelos and Stavroula Collis. Jim left his remote and war-torn childhood village in the mountains of Greece at 12 years old. He took this remarkable journey alone by boat to join his father in Winchester, Kentucky. To adapt to life in America, Jim secured his first job as the local paper boy, saving money to pursue the American dream of higher education and a promising life ahead.

After graduating high school, Jim and his family moved to Lexington, Kentucky. He attended the University of Kentucky, becoming a very proud graduate, earning both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in history. After college, a good friend and mentor in Kentucky introduced him to the insurance business. From there, Jim started building his career as an insurance agent focusing on life and health, eventually serving clients in the greater Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville, S.C. areas for over 35 years. During this time, he briefly lived in Asheville, where he met his wife, Maria Psilopoulos. They married in 1983 and settled in Kings Mountain; in 1987, they happily welcomed their daughter Steffie.

Jim was a dedicated member of several organizations, including Domianites of America, Evrytanian Association of America, Shelby Lions Club, Shelby Tennis Association, and UK Alumni Association. He was also commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. Above all, he was a faithful parishioner of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Charlotte, where he volunteered his beautiful and talented voice for years as a chanter.

Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed reading & discussing ancient history, playing & watching tennis, and cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats in basketball. He also loved traveling to different countries; most notably, he was selected as a volunteer in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, which was one of the greatest honors of his lifetime. However, his greatest joy was spending cherished time with family, especially with his two beloved grandchildren. Jim will be eternally remembered for his genuine character, humble nature, and undeniable wisdom.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Maria and daughter Steffie Collis Rantzos; son-in-law Paul Rantzos; grandchildren Dean Rantzos and Malia Rantzos; sisters Maria Vlamis (Nick), Yiannoula Ginis (Thanassi); niece Margarita Vlamis; nephews Michael Vlamis, Dr. Costa Vlamis (Laura), Anthony Ginis, and Evan Ginis (Haroula); sister-in-law Eve Psilopoulos (Charlie Karukstis); brother-in-law Dino Psilopoulos. He is preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home -Chapel; 106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, NC. Interment to follow at Cleveland Memorial Park, Shelby, NC. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral; 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory