James Louis Chilakos

James L. Chilakos, 80 years old, of Charleston, South Carolina departed this world on Thursday, October 10 , 2024.

He was born on April 3, 1944 in Highland Park, NJ to the late Louis Chilakos and Anastasia Chilakos (Banos).

He graduated from Highland Park High School and he then graduated from Newark State College (now Kean University) where he was a member of the basketball team and Sigma Theta Chi Fraternity. He earned his Master’s degree in Guidance at Trenton State College. He raised his two children in Milltown, NJ.

For many years, he was the assistant manager and then manager of the Willows Swim Club in Kendall Park during the summer. He met his wife, Jo Ann, in 1997 and they wed in one of their favorite locations, Kiawah Island. Once he retired after 37years from his teaching career, he and Jo Ann journeyed down to Charleston, South Carolina and split their time between there and their home in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

A lifelong sports fan, Jim played basketball in high school and college and then shared his love of the sport as a JV coach at East Brunswick High School. He could also be found at the many basketball and baseball games of his son and cheerleading competitions and dance recitals of his daughter. He was a true Mets, Giants and Knicks fan and spent many late nights with his son, watching any of their games.

He devoted his teaching career to the students of East Brunswick School District where he taught at Memorial School and then finished his career at Hammarskjold. Through the years, his children have met many former students of Jim who hailed him as a beloved teacher.

He is predeceased by his brother, Art Chilakos (Barbara).

He is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann Quintana-Chilakos, his brother George Chilakos (Linda), his children, Greg Chilakos and Kelly Chilakos (Eric), his stepchildren, Patrick J. Baglino and Lisa Baglino, and his six precious grandchildren: Maddison, Charlynn, Rylee, Ryan, Gavin and Levi.

His family is extremely grateful for the friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners who cared for their father and Jo Ann as their “family” in South Carolina. He will be greatly missed by many who knew and loved him, including several former students who continued to stay in touch over the years.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, October, 15th at 10:00am at St. Andrew’s Church, SC. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to St. Andrew’s Church, 3225 Ashley River Road, Charleston , SC 29414.

Cremation and burial services will be private.