James N. “Jim” Tsarpalas, at rest peacefully at home on January 18, 2021.
Devoted son of the late Nicholas and Mary Tsarpalas, loving brother of Nancy Tsarpalas, beloved Godfather of Konstantine Buhler, fond cousin and friend of many.
Born in Logan Square in Chicago, Jim was a longtime resident of Torrance, California. Jim’s restaurant experience in Chicago and love of sports led him to enjoy a successful career in Sales, Marketing and Sales Management in the Food, Beverage and Sports Industries in Los Angeles. He was particularly talented at growing new markets for entrepreneurial beverage companies and had recently joined the Levy Restaurant operation at Dodgers Stadium and StubHub Center. His likable style, big personality and gift for developing great relationships helped him establish a boundless network of enviable business associates.
Jim’s most passionate avocation started in 1999 when he joined the NFL’s now Las Vegas Raiders in Field Operations managing side line security on the football field for the team. When the Raiders moved from L.A. to Oakland he traveled back and forth for all of the Raider home games. In addition to his field role Jim showed his dedication to the organization by supporting the sale of Raider Team Merchandise through The Raider Image, Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Jim was very much looking forward to being back on the field next season, as much as the team was anxious to have him back at the new Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He was dearly loved and respected by the entire Raider Family.
Musically gifted and once an accomplished concert pianist, Jim remained a keen fan of jazz and all forms of music with his fine-tuned ear and discerning taste. He had recently added a new keyboard where he housed his vintage collection and was looking forward to returning to his musical roots. An avid reader Jim was especially inspired by biographies of successful entrepreneurs and politicians, as well as music and sports legends.
Jim was a student of Christ and devout Greek Orthodox Christian. As a proud member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, Jim was a dedicated steward and attended bible study. Over the years he regularly, unselfishly volunteered his time and dedicated resources to support principal fund raising events for the St. Sophia Parish. There are so many ways Jim expressed his generosity, faith and good heartedness to others.
Jim was “never going to retire”. He and his sister were recently sharing plans to buy back their childhood home in Logan Square to preserve the family legacy. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Northeastern Illinois University, Jim studied Law for two years at John Marshall. He was planning to finish Law School.
A strong, intelligent, gifted man, (Mom always said he had “too many talents!”) Jim brightened every room he entered. He was happy, humorous, driven and energetic. He worked hard at everything he did and had great relationships with everyone he knew.
Most of all Jim was the best, most giving and loving brother in the world. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10AM at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church, Palatine, Illinois. Funeral Service will begin at 10:30AM. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery, River Grove, Illinois. Those who wish to attend the service virtually, please tune in to the livestream at 10:30AM at JGA. Those attending in person, Covid-19 restrictions will apply. Social distancing and mask-wearing will be observed.
May His Memory Be Eternal.
I wanted to say some thing about Jim/. I do the property maintenance where he lived for many years. He had a big personality and a big heart. He would often hire me to do a little side jobs for him within his unit, and he would always overpay me. There is a young couple who lives immediately behind his house. They have A toddler and a newborn. The husband is often a way to work. After Jim/‘s passing the young mother told me that every time he walked by and saw her front door open he would poke his… Read more »
Where do I begin? You could say I grew up with Jim. I was best friends with you since the day we met in 2nd grade at Ben Franklin. I was at your house a lot so I saw Jim and of course knew everything about your family as if it were my own. Reading your tribute brought tears to my eyes. You two had such a wonderful sibling relationship. Something you don’t hear much about these days. I know you will miss him terribly but your love for each other will see you through. I will keep you both… Read more »
I don’t know where to start , I meet Jim in citywalk universal 6 years ago ,became close friends I would always go visit him and talk sport , trash talk about sports we had good bond , gave me good wisdom , always told me keep your head up your good father .
I pass by Raiders store , I still look for him , going miss you my friend ..
My condolence to the family .
Louie D -Wetzles Pretzels
Jim was definitely a genuine good hearted person. I am grateful and honored to have known Jim over the years. I remember the day I met Jim he talked my head off lol always a good time, the stories and life experiences and let’s not forget the advice he would give. I genuinely appreciate all those conversations. When I joined the Raider Image team in Citywalk Jim welcomed me with open arms made me feel so welcome his genuine passion for the organization I can’t even put words together to express his love and dedication he had for the Raiders.… Read more »
I met Jim when I moved back to LA and transferred to the CityWalk Raider Image store. Instantly, we hit it off. Jim was more than a coworker to me; he was a friend, a pseudo mentor, comic relief when I needed it, fellow sports enthusiast, someone to just talk about life with. I ALWAYS looked forward to working with him, seeing him at events he was working, at Raider games and going to wrestling events together, we were already planning for the next one. I’m going to miss Jim so much, won’t be the same without him. Rest easy… Read more »
I don’t know how to start this other then Jim will be severely missed by everybody and anybody who knew him. I didn’t know him for very long but he became a mentor and a father figure almost for myself. I will surely miss our talks about anything and everything. I don’t think watching Andy Griffith will ever be the same without hearing his laugh. Rest easy my friend.
Jim was a great friend when we both attended Triton College in River Grove I’ll
I met Jim many years ago when we attended Triton College. He was a gifted musician and played together in a local band. Fun times! He was outgoing, upbeat and funny, but most of all, he was a good friend for many years. When he left for the west coast, we kept in touch through his sister Nancy, who became one of my best friends. Rest in peace, Jim. God bless you.