James Pappas

James Pappas, 97, of Columbia, passed away on February 27, 2026. Mr. Pappas, a son of the late George and Mary Christodoulou Pappas, was born October 22, 1928, in Warren RI. He grew up in New York City and in October 1946 enlisted in the US Army. He did his basic training at Fort Dix in Trenton, New Jersey and was stationed at the Panama Canal. He was honorably discharged in 1948, returned to New York and attended Lake Champlain College. There he met his future wife, Dorothy Holz. In 1952, he finished his education at the University of Michigan and married his college sweetheart, Dorothy. They had three children, Karen, Carl, and Robert. He worked for Westinghouse Corporation, for his entire career starting in Pittsburgh PA and retired in 1985 in Columbia SC after 38 years of service. He enjoyed his retirement years travelling with his wife Dorothy throughout the US and Europe.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Martha Pappas Mills, and his brothers, Spyros and Charles. Mr. Pappas is survived by his wife Dorothy Pappas; daughter Karen Pappas of Chapin, SC; son Carl Pappas and grandson, Tyler of Richmond VA; son Robert Pappas of Irmo, and nephew, Greg Pappas of Norton MA.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to:
The Stuttering Foundation (www.stutteringhelp.org) and Trail Blazers (www.trailblazers.org)



Bush River Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.