Demetre (Dimitrios) Douldouras

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Demetre ‘Jimmy’ Douldouras on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at the age of seventy seven (77).

Jimmy passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy that many will remember him by.

Jimmy was a beloved father, husband, grandfather, friend and a contributing member of the West End ‘Junction’ Toronto Greek community. 

Jimmy was blessed with, and is survived by his beloved wife, Niki and their four (4) sons and seven (7) grandchildren. 

Children: John (Fani), Andreas (Cristina Almeida), Tommy (Effie), Michael (Cristina Rapuano).

Grandchildren: Dimitri Alexander, Nicole Gianna , Agni Zoi, Dimitri Panteleimonas, Zoey Mary , Nathanos Andreas and JJ (John Jimmy). 

Jimmy was born August 29,1947 in Samos, Greece to father Ioanis Douldouras and mother Eleni Mavrogianni. From a young age he exhibited a strong work ethic, compassion for others, and a boundless curiosity towards life. 

Jimmy, together with his father took the journey to an unknown land full of opportunity on the Olympia Shipliner in December 1966 and landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, here in Canada. He eventually continued his journey and lived with his Uncle Nick and Aunt Eleni Douldouras. His first years in Canada were spent with his cousins Teatsa, Mary and Jennie. 

Jimmy had a thirst for life and exploring this new land. He made many friends in the early years in Toronto amongst the labourers and early Greek plus other immigrant communities in the Bloor and Ossington and College and Clinton neighborhoods. These early street explorations and hangouts lead to his eventual nickname of ‘Mourmouris’. Interestingly, this was given to him in sarcasm – as a man that was not very talkative; a man of few words.

His early years in Toronto had him working at the Tip Top Tailors factory (now the lofts) and then in the construction industry, in the early stages of building Toronto. Eventually his network of friends introduced him to his love of his life – Niki. 

Jimmy and Niki married May 12, 1973 at The Greek Cathedral, The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Through this union and devotion to their Church and Greek values together they built a life, filled with love, laughter and countless memories. His greatest pride was his family…

Jimmy is also survived by his much-loved Sister In Law, Garifalia ‘Litsa’ (predeceased brother in law Greg) Christeas and their two sons, Stavros and Andreas.

He had a special place in his heart for Stavros. He often referred to him as ‘my other son’. Stavros was born in Canada and returned to Greece when his family moved away. But in true fate, Stavros returned to stay with Jimmy and his aunt Niki for educational and eventual career training. Through these years in Canada, Jimmy made sure his nephew was taken care of. Stavros was not only his nephew but another one of the boys; his other son.

Jimmy was well loved and had nurtured an open house taking in some of his son’s friends as his own, most notably - the Dennis brothers Courtney, Randy and Rowan.

Jimmy was well known for his hard work ethic, friendly and open hearted demeanour. It was here that many remember him as he had operated a Kafeneio, called Mourmouris Greek Coffee Shop. This was a communal and social place for many in the High Park/Junction neighbourhood, with friendships lasting far beyond the operation. Not only were there friends of Greek descent, but Maltese, Albanian, Turkish and Jamaican cultures as well. Jimmy was a very special, open and tolerant person, never discriminating. He did not see race colour, creed or economic status. He only saw friends. He was truly a man of the people...but more importantly he was a 'Man’s man!'.

A cherished memory of Jimmy will be that he was ready to stand proud in front of the barbeque (‘souvla’) with the kontosouvli or a lamb (‘arni’) cooking and ready to feed all that visited his family home. Jimmy ensured that everyone was well fed and happy. 

Whether it was a bbq cart in the Junction, downtown in the club district, or grilling at home, Jimmy loved keeping people fed. 

Jimmy’s spirit, strength and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew, loved and respected him.He was a man, who lived fully and loved deeply. 

Jimmy will forever live on in all our hearts! Memory Eternal. 

Funeral Service details:

Visitation: 6pm to 9pm

Monday November 4, 2024

Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral136 Sorauren AvenueToronto, Ontario 

Funeral Service: 11am 

Tuesday November 5, 2024

Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Cathedral136 Sorauren AvenueToronto, Ontario

Interment: Sanctuary Park

1570 Royal York Rd, EtobicokeSection T

In Lieu of flowers donation can be e-transferred to douldouras@icloud.com in Dimitrios memory.

May he rest in eternal peace