LYMAN — James Charles Karvelas, 73, died in his sleep on Feb. 18, 2014 at the Maine Medical Center in Portland.

He was born in Gloucester, Mass. on Oct. 23, 1940, a son of the late Charles and Julia (Scangos) Karvelas.

James proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis aboard the Destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts.

Following his service, James went on to graduate from Northeastern University.

He was employed as a nuclear chemist at New England Nuclear in Watertown, Mass., later DuPont. Afterward, in 1983, he owned and operated a family restaurant called Ship Ahoy in Essex, Mass. He then worked for the New York Times as a distribution manager until his retirement.

James was a member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco and was involved with AHEPA.

He enjoyed music, especially playing his keyboard. Over the years, he was known for playing at church events and the festival.

He is survived by: his beloved wife, Katherine (Patros) Karvelas; sons, Charles Karvelas and his wife Kim of North Carolina and their children Demetra and Alexandra, and Anthony Karvelas and his wife Leah of Alaska and their children Anthony and Katherine; brother, George Karvelas and his wife Judy of Gloucester, Mass.; sister, Katherine “Kitty” McTeague and her husband Bob of Gloucester, Mass.; and several nieces and nephews.

A Trisagion service was held at Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home in Saco. His funeral service was held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, and burial was at St. Demetrios Hellenic Orthodox Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Bradley St., Saco, ME 04072.