James Nicholas Demetropoulos

James "Jimmy" Nicholas Demetropoulos, 80, of Littlejohn Island in Yarmouth, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Portland's Barron Center, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Anita, his daughters, friends and family.

Born October 29, 1944, in Woonsocket, R.I., to Alyce and Peter Demett. Jim moved to Freeport, Maine, as an infant and settled in Yarmouth by the age 7. He graduated from Yarmouth High School in 1965 and from the Butera School of Art in Boston in 1967.

Across his career he owned sign-making, painting, and construction businesses; proudly owned the Hope General Store in the late 1970s; and worked at Street Cycles in Falmouth and Old Orchard Beach, fueled by his love of motorcycles. Before meeting the love of his life, Anita, he roamed widely, traveling to Florida, Alaska, and beyond, chasing open road and big sky.

Jim and Anita married in June 1998, and he embraced her three children as his own before welcoming their daughter, Amelia Olympia. Together they founded the locally-beloved Island Treasure Toys in 2001, growing it to locations in Yarmouth, Freeport, and Bath before selling the business in 2019.

A born scout of forgotten things, Jim had a keen eye for antiques and oddities. He was the original "picker" and could often be found at the transfer station, flea markets, auctions, and estate sales, rescuing treasures and the stories that came with them.

Jim was loyal and devoted to his family, showing his wife and daughters what unconditional love looks like. A caring, selfless friend, he nurtured lifelong bonds. Easy-going and gentle, and a deep feeler and lover of life, he was fearlessly himself and a role model to those around him. He never chased fame or fortune, but only pursued love, respect, and what truly mattered. He taught us that kindness is a strength and gentleness a choice.

Jim is survived by his wife, Anita Demetropoulos of Yarmouth; his daughters: Amelia Olympia Demetropoulos of Boston, Mass.; Gabrielle Libby of Naples, Maine, her husband, Tim, and their children, Jack and Nora; Jessica Rud of Gray, Maine, her husband, Jonathan, and their children, Lillian and Joseph; and Meredith Trainor of Windham, Maine, her husband, John, and their children, Charles, Benjamin, James "Little Jimmy", and Juliette. He is also survived by his sister, Andrea Demetropoulos, and her husband, John Marcolini, of Brooklyn Heights, N.Y., and by many dear friends and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alyce and Peter Demett, and by his niece, Hillary Demetropoulos.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm hosted by Andrea & Ron Wappler at their residence, Birch Star Farm, 362 Allen Road, Pownal, Maine 04069. All are welcome and carpooling is encouraged. Dress in layers for fall weather as celebration will be in a sheltered barn.

Jimmy was an avid listener and supporter of the WMPG Community Radio from the University of Southern Maine. Donations to WPMG would be much appreciated. Checks can be made payable to the USM Foundation, with "WMPG" in the reference line, addressed to: USM Foundation, PO Box 9300, Portland, ME 04105-9300 or donate online at https://www.wmpg.org/support/listener-donations/.

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