04/10/07 - NNHS Newsletter - Jimmy Gallins
 

James John Gallins
(12 Dec 1914 - 8 Apr 2007)

"May his memory be eternal."
 

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   

   Sad news has returned to us.


From June Veneris Collie (Hampton HS - '62) of VA - 04/10/07 - "   Aretie Gallins Patterson's ('59 - of Northern VA) Father Passed Away":

Dear Carol,
 
This was in the Daily Press on-line paper this morning.  My condolences go to Aretie and her family.  My father is the same age and I have many fond memories of growing up on the Peninsula and knowing people such as Mr. Gallins.  A lot of Newport News history was started with his generation.
(Obituary attached)

   Oh, June!  I'm so sorry to hear this!  Thank you for letting us know.

   Aretie's younger sisters are    Rose Gallins Fleming ('60) of VA,    Joanne Gallins ('62) of VA, and Penny Gallins-Viehweg of VA.


From the Daily Press - 04/10/07:

James John Gallins

NEWPORT NEWS - James John Gallins, 92, of Newport News, Va. died at home on April 8, 2007. He was born Dec. 12, 1914, in Kalesmeno-Monastiraki, Greece to the late John D. and Areti Katsouda Gallins. Known to many as 'Captain' Jimmy by the yachtsman's cap he always wore when he went out, Mr. Gallins came to the United States in 1928 and was a member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, the church's Golden Hearts Senior Club and a lifetime member of the Evrytanian Association. He was active in the church community in a variety of positions. He was among the founders and donors of the church at its original location on 25th Street and served on the Parish Council. He worked with the Greek War Relief and served as an officer in the American Hellenic Progressive Association (AHEPA). He also served the church as a chanter of the liturgy for many years. In addition, he was a member of local benevolent associations and of the local Ground Observer Corps. He was a frequent writer of letters to the editor of the local newspaper on a variety of topics including his favorite, healthy lifestyles, and various political issues. He also enjoyed amateur photography and his various cameras often accompanied him. A retired restauranteur, he worked as a waiter in North Carolina before he came to Newport News where he operated a hot dog stand. He purchased the Corner Quick Lunch in the old Lexington Hotel at Washington Avenue and 31st Street in 1943 and operated the restaurant as the Sanitary Lunch until he sold the business in 1954. He then operated the Colony Restaurant at 49th and Washington Avenue until he retired from the business in 1969. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria (Mary) Tsitsera Gallins; his brother, Paul John Gallins of Winston-Salem and cousin Gus Gallins. He is survived by a sister, Alice Gallins Piedad and a sister-in-law, Mary P. Gallins both of Winston-Salem; by four daughters, Aretie Gallins Patterson and husband, John of Manassas, Va., Elizabeth Rose Gallins Fleming and husband, Leroy, Joanne Gallins and Penny Gallins-Viehweg and husband, Marty Viehweg, all of Newport News; four grandsons, Michael Fleming, Scott Fleming, Chris Fleming of Newport News and Mark Danley of Memphis, Tenn.; two granddaughters, Lynnette Fleming of Newport News and Lora Elizabeth Danley of New York City; by several cousins in Greece and the United States, including Evanthia Katsouda Asprogiannis of Iron Station, N.C. Xenophon A. Gallins, and John G. Gallins of Winston-Salem; and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and great grand-children. Jimmy never owned a car and appreciated when friends and neighbors offered him rides. Once a familiar site walking the streets of his neighborhood and along Warwick Boulevard, Jimmy had a ready smile for everyone and loved being with people and family. Even in his final years, when his health was failing, he enjoyed sitting for long periods of time watching people. A special thanks to his caregivers at Personal Touch Home Health Care and Hospice and especially his nurses, Joanne Zukerman, Hospice nurses Terri Johnson, Helen Burke, Linda Marroletti and Lisa Tate, and his aide, Gwen Savage. Special thanks also to all the people that gave Jimmy rides to church and to other outings. His family is blessed to have had him with us for so many years and will miss him. A Trisagion prayer service will be held 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 60 Traverse Road, Newport News. The family will receive friends until 8 p.m. at the church. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12 also at the church and will be officiated by Father George Chioros and father Peter Makris. Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. Memorials may be offered to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Arrangements are under the care of Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 7415 River Road, Newport News, VA 23607.

Published in the Daily Press on 4/10/2007.
Guest Book

 
Aretie
My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Your father was such a special person and I remember him well. I'm sure all you did for him during these past years as he was declining meant a great deal to him. Remember the good times and cherish your memories always.
Renee Helterbran Benton (Hayes, VA) - April 10, 2007
Contact me
 
Areti and family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I will always remember him as a fun loving man and enjoyed his visits to North Carolina years ago. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Eonia i mnimni tou.
Sandy Gallins Balatsias (Charlotte, NC) - April 10, 2007
 
 
Aretie and Family:
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Dad. I had many meals at both the Sanitary and Colony restaurants and learned many things from him. He was always a delight and was always interested in people. The world needs many more like him.
Ron Miller (Asheville, NC) - April 10, 2007
Contact me
 
Aretie, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. I can remember eating at his restaurant and what great food he served. He was always a kind and gentle man and treated everyone with respect. I will be praying for you and your family.
Glenn Dye (Grand Prairie, TX) - April 11, 2007
Contact me
 
Aretie, Rose, Joanne and Penny: I extend my heartfelt sympathy to you in the loss of your father. The obituary was so well written and spoke volumes about his greatness. I have added it in with my Newport News Memorabilia as he was truly a special person to his family, church and friends in Newport News. My prayers are with you.....F.W.M., N.N.H.S., '60
Frederick Mays (Newport News, VA) - April 11, 2007
Contact me
 
I regret the passing of your father. He was a fine Christian gentleman. I met him the first Sunday that I came to the Church and he made me very welcome. My prayers and best wishes are with you. May His Memory Be Eternal!
Dr. James I. Hicks, D.D. (Newport News, VA) - April 11, 2007 
Contact me
 
Aretie, I was so sad to hear about your Dad. I know he was so proud of you. You took such good care of him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jamey
Jamey Bacon (Newport News, VA) - April 12, 2007 
 
 
   
 
 

   Our deepest sympathies and prayers are extended to Aretie and    John (Patterson - '59 - of Northern VA), her sisters and their families, and to all of Mr. Gallins' family and friends.

   This information is also posted here:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/SITE-MAP.html

     http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/old-stomping.html

          http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/OOSG-C-G.html

               http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/colony-restaurant.html

          http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/OOSG-S-Z.html

               http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/sanitary-restaurant.html


   From Fred Field ('45) of CA - 04/10/07 - "Obituary, NN Pioneer Greek":

Another fascinating life story of one of NN's enterprising Greeks:

(Obituary attached)

I remember Jimmy, the Sanitary Lunch owner.  He was always bustling around behind the counter, surrounded by the waiters (who all seemed to be family members).
 
I was fascinated by the Sanitary Lunch's hot dogs.  They were different than anything available in local food stores.  I know now that this was because they had natural casings which kept the flavored juices inside.  They also had an intriguing "snap-and-splatter" when you bit into one. 
 
One day while sitting at the counter I decided to try to find out where to get some of these wonderful dogs.  I asked the senior guy.  He looked at me with amazement and said, "They come from far, far away."  I took that to mean that he wanted to keep the secret intact.
 
A few minutes later, one of the junior waters came before me with something wrapped in a large napkin.  He stood directly in front of me and without a word lifted up a corner of the napkin.  Inside was a white box upon which was printed the name of a Norfolk restaurant supply company. 
 
At first I thought this might be an act of defiance.  Then I noticed that Jimmy was standing halfway down the counter and watching.  He had a big smile.  I felt honored to be allowed to share in the family secret.
 
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Fred W. Field
Fullerton, CA
fwfield@juno.com

   Thank you, Fred.  I appreciate your sharing your memories.


   Y'all take good care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!

                          Love to all, Carol

==============================================

NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com

PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

==============================================

Carol Buckley Harty
219 Four Ply Lane
Fayetteville, NC 29311-9305
910-488-9408


In You Rejoice
(O Tebi Radujetsja)

Liturgy of St. Basil - Tone 6

(English adaptation by Edward Sedor)


All creation rejoices in You,
O You who are full of grace,
the host of angels and all mankind.
O holy temple and spiritual paradise,
the glory of virgins,
from whom God was made flesh and became a little Child,
and is our God before all ages.

For He made You womb His throne,
and more spacious than the heavens.
All creation rejoices in You,
O You who are full of grace,
glory to You.


"In You Rejoice (O Tebi Radujetsja)" midi and lyrics courtesy of http://www.saintmichaels.info/music/ - 03/30/05

(Downloadable Sheet Music available at http://www.saintmichaels.info/music/pdfs/In-You-Rejoice.pdf - 03/30/05)

Icon of Christ courtesy of http://www.goarch.org/en/multimedia/audio/ – 03/30/05

Icon of the Ascension of Christ courtesy of http://www.goarch.org/en/resources/clipart/ - 03/30/05

Byzantine Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/artmuseum/news/fall2000/interview.html - 03/30/05

Crab clip art courtesy of http://www.geocities.com/agent99bm/ - 10/02/05

Navy Seal clip art courtesy of http://www.onemileup.com/miniSeals.asp - 05/29/06

Back to NNHS Newsletters - 2006

Back to NNHS Newsletters - 2007

Return to NNHS Class of 1965