Jim Makarounis born July 16, 1963, passed away early in the morning of January 2, 2017, after fighting throat cancer for the past four years. Jim passed at his family home in Portland, surrounded by his wife of 22 years, Stephanie, daughter, Hannah (17) and son, Christos (15).

Jim’s father, Christos, an immigrant from Greece and his mother Adele, an immigrant from Syria, met through the Orthodox community of Portland. They owned and operated a series of restaurants and bars on the east side of town. Jim, his sister Chrissy (51) and brother John (48), grew up helping their parents run their various restaurant operations. Jim attended David Douglas High School and graduated from Oregon State University in 1986. After graduating from OSU, Jim went to work for Central Pointe Software as a salesman. He then moved to Manhattan Beach, California, where he and Stephanie met. After spending the first year of their marriage in Southern California, Jim and Stephanie decided to relocate to Portland to pursue his life’s interest in music and restaurant operations, as well as establish their life in the community. On July 10, 1996, Jimmy Mak’s Jazz Club was founded in the yet to be redeveloped Pearl District. At that time, the area was populated by light industry and the workers in the area became Jimmy Mak’s first core group of regulars. With Stephanie in the kitchen alongside his mother and sister, Jimmy worked the floor waiting tables and developing relationships with customers and purveyors that continue to this day. Hard work, determination and a positive attitude were at the core of his being and his success.

Jim was a jazz saxophonist in high school, his love for music translated to the tiny stage on the main floor at the corner of 10th and Everett. In 1997, legendary Portland drummer Mel Brown began his residency at the club and that relationship became the catalyst for the club’s growth into the city’s premier jazz and live music venue. After 10 wonderful years on the corner, the club relocated across the street where it grew into one of the best jazz clubs in the world. Over the years, Jimmy’s commitment to the musicians and his employees manifested itself in the tenure of his staff and the long residencies of many of the bands. So much so, in fact, that many of those folks came to consider themselves family as well. Jimmy Mak’s final show in its current venue was December 31, 2016.

Jimmy was a life-long, active member of the Greek Orthodox Church. He grew up at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral and remained a friend and supporter of Holy Trinity throughout his life. When a second parish, St. John the Baptist, was formed in 1997, Jimmy and Stephanie became founding members. Jimmy served on the Parish Council many years, and served two terms as Parish Council President. Jimmy was also active in fundraising and established and chaired the St. John the Baptist Greek festival for several years. Jimmy’s Christian faith played a central role in his life and helped him and his family grow deeply through his struggle with cancer. Jimmy fought the good fight and ended his struggle victorious. Just as he lived with zest, boldness, faith and a love for life and people, so too, did he greet death with the same boldness, strength of character and hope in the Kingdom of Heaven and in the power of His Lords resurrection. In addition to the many friends he developed through his business, the Orthodox community and his childhood and college friends, “Jimmy” touched people in a special way with his big heart and his broad smile that was always followed by his big handshake. He valued friendship, made people laugh, and brought joy and happiness to the lives he touched.

A Trisagion service will be held at 6 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2017 at Holy Trinity Cathedral. A memorial service will also be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Holy Trinity.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John The Baptist building fund, care of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 14485 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton, OR 97006.

Trisagion service

6:00 PM ,Friday, January 6, 2017
Holy Trinity Cathedral

Notes: A memorial service will also be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Holy Trinity.