James G. Maragos

Minot

James G. Maragos, 89, lifelong Minot resident and businessman, died Monday, May 6, 2024, in his home. He was born July 12, 1934, the third child to George S. and Constance (Angelopoulos) Maragos in Minot. He was raised with his eight siblings in Minot, where he worked alongside his family in the various businesses they owned. He attended the Minot Public Schools and graduated from Minot High School. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Among his activities while in college was a stint as the director for the U of M variety shows as a member of PHI DELTA THETA fraternity. Following his graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served his country until his honorable discharge.

He returned to Minot, where he worked alongside his brother Alex at the Riverside Lodge and Supper Club. Following the 1969 flood and the loss of the Maragos businesses located in the valley, the family rebuilt the Riverside Motel, then a 20-room facility. In 1983, they built the Sheraton. It became known as the Holiday Inn-Riverside. Together the family under Jim’s careful bookkeeping skills, owned and operated the business until 2012. Later, in his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling, building his home, and working as a volunteer.

He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, later known as St. Peter The Aleut Orthodox Church. He served in all capacities of the church. He also was very active in the Minot community, serving as President of the Minot Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Board of Directors for the Norsk Hostfest for over 20 years, the Hostfest Heritage Foundation, and the Scandinavian Heritage Directors Emeritus, earning the name, “Honorary Norwegian.” He also was a member of the Sons of Norway. He started a dinner theater in Minot in conjunction with the Mouse River Players. He was a recipient of the Sertoma Service to Mankind award, was instrumental in the widening of U.S. Highway 2 in Minot from two to four lanes, where he received Pioneer Service Award. He also enjoyed playing tennis with lifelong friend Lloyd Sund.

Jim is survived by: sister: Vivian Zimmerman, brothers, Peter (Roxanna) Maragos, Alex (Gloria) Maragos, and Andrew (Sherry) Maragos; sisters-in-law: Gloria J. Maragos (widow of Angelo Maragos), Gloria Maragos (widow of Ted Maragos), Jeanne Maragos (widow of Steve Maragos); several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Steve, Ted, Angelo, Sam and his wife Rena, brother-in-law, Dudley Zimmerman, and nephews Paul and Steven.

Jim’s family would like to give a heartfelt appreciation to all the caregivers Jim has had over the years.

Visitation: Thursday, May 16, 2024 from 5 until 7 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Trisagion Prayer Vigil Service: Thursday, May 16. 2024, at 7 pm in Thompson Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot.

Orthodox Rite of Liturgy: Friday, May 17, 2024, 10:30 am at St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Church, Minot.

Burial: A private family burial will take place following the service at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Memorials may be given in Jim’s memory to the St. Peter the Aleut Orthodox Church, 109 6th ST SE, Minot.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 14, 2024.