James T. Kalperis

James T. Kalperis passed away December 27, 2024, in Falmouth, MA., about 3 weeks after his 95th birthday and shortly after celebrating his final Christmas with his family. His loving son and daughter were by his side. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Angel Kalperis and his parents Tom and Irene (Podas) Kalperis.

Jim was born December 3, 1929 in Westbrook, Maine to Greek immigrants at the onset of the Great Depression. It is no coincidence that growing up in this period indelibly shaped his life. He was forever a man of, and for the people, leading his life with humility while quietly and anonymously always there to help anyone in need. He remained selfless to the end, concerned only about others, dedicating his time and energies to serving his students, friends and the community.

He grew up summering in his family's home in Old Orchard Beach, ME. It was there that he developed a great love for the beach and the ocean and became an avid swimmer. He swam every day no matter the weather or the temperature of the water. He has spent every summer in his family's house on the beach and owned numerous businesses there. Not surprisingly, he is well known to all around the beach as Jimmy.

Jim attended the University of Vermont (UVM) where he was pre-med and majored in biology. An accomplished athlete, he played on both the basketball and baseball teams at UVM. He later went on to receive master's degrees in both psychology and education from Bridgewater State University.

He met his wife, Angel Xyndaropoulos, on a trip to Greece with his uncle one spring in support of the American Friends of the Blind in Greece. They fell madly in love and were married in Athens. Shortly after graduating from UVM in 1955, they moved to Falmouth, MA where they raised their two children.

He took a position teaching biology and sciences at Lawrence High School (the predecessor of Falmouth High School) in the fall of 1955. Given his natural acumen for athletics, he was soon offered a position as coach of the then fledgling track program. The first track meet he ever saw was the first one he coached. He coached track and cross-country teams starting in 1959 for 1 1 years and moreover, set them on a winning path and tradition. His track teams won 64 titles, including 14 State titles, at one point 8 in a row and the BAA Championship in 1970. He loved

his "Track Boys" and in recognition of his many contributions and accomplishments, the track at Falmouth High School is named after him.

In 1968, the High School was plagued by overcrowding and Jim helped conceive and implement a novel and successful Open Campus Program -the first of its kind in the state, He soon thereafter stopped teaching full-time to become an administrator at the new Falmouth High School and for the remainder of his career, was the Assistant Principal in charge of student activities, In this role he developed numerous student/community-based activities that integrated the school and its students closer to the town. He was loved by the students and staff and affectionately known at the High School simply as "Kalpy."

Jim was known for his long service and commitment to various causes and associations. He served 22 years on the State Track Tournament Committee for the Mass. Secondary Schools Principals Association and later for the Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association. He served for years on the Council of New England Secondary Schools and was an elected Town Meeting Member for over 25 years during which time he served as President of 2 different precincts. He was a Mason of the Scottish Right and served over 65 years as a Master Mason. And he was a lifelong New York Yankee fan, so much so that he often would listen to the games on his car radio while just sitting in his driveway. Until his last days he would always ask for updates on the latest trades and personnel moves.

Throughout his life he has been recognized for his many contributions, including, among numerous others:

1956 - Chosen outstanding Science Teacher on Cape Cod by the Cape Cod Principals Association

1957 - Chosen to represent the Science Teachers of Cape Cod at the Atoms for Peace Conference in Chicago

1966 -1968 - served as President to the Mass State Track Coaches Association

1972-Jaycees Distinguished Service Award

1979-Inducted into the Mass State Track Coaches Hall of Fame

1986-Cape Verdean Man of the Year

1987-Thanksgiving Day Parade Marshall

1989-received MSSAA/MIAA 22 year recognition award for service

1991— Selected by Mass. Secondary Schools Administrators Association as Assistant Principal of the Year

1991 — Distinguished Service Award from the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for outstanding achievements for his work in High School Sports

1994 — New High School Track named James T. Kalperis Track

He was proud of his Greek heritage and was a member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hyannis, MA. He also served on the Board of the American Friends of the Blind in Greece (AFBG) for over 65 years, many of these years as its Treasurer/Secretary. AFBG is an international organization dedicated to helping and improving the lives of the blind in Greece. He organized many volunteers, mostly students, to assist the organization in their fundraising efforts and to develop the program internationally. His efforts were recognized with a special award given by Queen Frederika of Greece and the Greek Government.

Finally, notwithstanding all his associations and accomplishments, and his lifelong passion of helping others, Jim was first and foremost a man who loved his family more than anything and by his example and guidance he has ensured this tradition for generations to come.

Jim is survived by his son, Thomas, his daughter, Elizabeth Chu, (Michael Chu) and grandchildren CJ Chu and Peter Chu.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 2-5pm Chapman Funeral Home 475 Main St, Falmouth, MA 02540 and Friday, January 3, 2025 from 3-5pm Cote Funeral Home 87 James St. Saco, ME 04072.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10:00am St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 186 Bradley St. Saco, ME 04072.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 1-3pm at The Flying Bridge Restaurant 220 Scranton Ave. Falmouth, MA 02540.

Donations may be sent in his memory to American Friends of the Blind in Greece:

https://americanfriendsoftheblindingreece.salsalabs.org/AFBGWebsiteDonationFormcopy1/index.html