OBITUARY: Longtime Teacher, Coach Geanoulis Dies at 65

[Obituary courtesy of .]

James N, Geanoulis, 65, a lifetime North Shore resident and educator in the Peabody school system, passed away on May 19, 2012 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Jim leaves behind Bonnie Souther, the longtime love of his life and her two daughters, Ashley and McKenzie. He also leaves his brother Alec Geanoulis and his family of Amesbury. Jim had so much love and pride for his two sons. Christopher “Tiffer” Geanoulis of Danvers and Jonathan Geanoulis of Gloucester and their families. In addition, he leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews and his aunt and uncle who will forever miss him dearly.

Jim was raised in Peabody and had been a beloved teacher in the Peabody school system for 35 years. He also coached baseball, basketball and soccer teams and had been a confidant and mentor for many of his students.

For many years, including his recent retirement, Jim enjoyed umpiring baseball games and served as a referee for soccer and basketball as well. He loved working with youth, which, according to Jim, kept him going.

Jim received his degree from Westfield State College and then went on to earn his master’s degree from Salem State University. He was known for his big generous heart and for his enjoyment of life and especially for the youth.

There were many people whom he helped during his lifetime and he did it all quietly and discreetly because it came from his heart. It was recenty announced that the annual Memorial Day baseball tourney had now been named the Jim Geanoulis Memorial Tourney, in honor of his many dedicated years in helping young people play sports.

He is predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Clara (Petropoulos) Geanoulis formerly of Peabody and his spirit will now be eternally with theirs. Jim’s spirit will also always be with every one of us who knew and loved him.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home at the 82 Lynn St., Peabody Facility. A private family service and internment will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the James Geanoulis Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o North Shore Bank, 248  Andover St., Peabody, MA 01960 in his memory.