James Farantos

James Farantos, age 96, of Timonium, MD, passed away on January 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. James was born in his beloved hometown of Etolikon, Greece, to Sophia and Andrew Farantos. He was the youngest of six siblings, all of whom lived in Greece and are now deceased. He was married to his devoted and beloved wife, Demetra (Kokolis) Farantos, for 64 years. Together, James and Demetra had three children: Sophia (married to Warren Hobbs), Andrew (married to Alexia Melagakos), and Georgia Farantos (deceased). He was blessed with five grandchildren: Anna (married to Sean MacCuish), Demetra (married to Mikey Dulny), Dimitri Farantos, Dimitri Hobbs, and Amalia Hobbs. He was also fortunate to have three beautiful great-grandchildren: Kingston, Lexi, and Silas.

James grew up in Etolikon, Greece, doing what he loved most—playing soccer. Nicknamed "Tsotsos," he was known for his explosive talent on the field. He was recruited to play for the Aris team and later approached to join a Greek professional team, Panathinaikos. Unfortunately, his dreams of signing were cut short by a knee injury. Undeterred, James pursued other aspirations.

On November 14, 1954, James packed a suitcase with what little money he had and journeyed to the United States in search of a better life. He began working as a dishwasher, saved diligently, and eventually entered the restaurant business with his friend Kosta Tzaferis. Together, they opened the A&B Restaurant in Warrenton, VA. It was in Warrenton that James was introduced to the love of his life, Demetra. They soon traveled to Baltimore, where they were married at Annunciation Cathedral and continued their over 60 year love story. 

Baltimore didn’t just bring love, though, as James embarked on another business venture, at the G&A restaurant in Highlandtown. Alongside his partner, James Mexis, he served hot dogs and other delicious foods on Eastern Avenue for 25 years. You can even see him making his hometown debut in a clip of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives alongside his son Andrew, who is the current owner of the G&A Restaurant. Later, James partnered with the Makris brothers at Milano’s Restaurant until his retirement.

James’s greatest love was his wife, family, and friends. He enjoyed cooking, entertaining, and sitting at the head of the dining table, watching it fill with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren over the years. James also cherished his beloved Etolikon, returning every other year to spend two to three months with his family there. His kind, loving, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed. 

Not bad for a man who came searching for a better life. We will miss you, Dad.

James Farantos will lie-in-repose at Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, MD on Monday, January 13th, 2025 at 11:30am and his funeral service will follow at 12:00pm. Interment will take place at St. Demetrios Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation for the Capital Campaign.