Dimitrios "Jimmy" Bakatsias

November 5, 1939 ~ December 29, 2025

Dimitrios "Jimmy" Bakatsias, 86, passed away peacefully at his family home in Newburgh, NY, on Monday, December 29, 2025. Born on November 5, 1939, in Kontiva, Greece, Jimmy was the youngest of six boys. With only a sixth‑grade education, he left his village at the age of 13 and moved to Athens, where he learned the plumbing trade and began building the foundation of a life defined by hard work and perseverance.

Jimmy proudly served in the Greek Army for two years. On September 20, 1964, he married the love of his life, Evanthia Doufekias. Together, they immigrated to Yonkers, NY, in 1966, seeking opportunities and a future for their growing family. They later settled in Newburgh, NY, where they made their home for the next 50 years. Their children graduated Marlboro schools and were parishioners at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

A dedicated and entrepreneurial man, Jimmy owned and operated The Maybrook Diner from 1981 until 2007. The diner became a place where his work ethic, generosity, and warm spirit were felt by countless customers and friends. Outside of work, he found joy in fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family—moments he cherished deeply.

Jimmy is survived by his devoted wife, Evanthia; his children, Chrisoula Vanikiotis, Vasiliki VanKleeck and her husband Gary, Michael Bakatsias and his wife Eleni, and Spiridoula Riley; his grandchildren, Michael Amodio and his wife Eliana, Nicholas Vanikiotis and his wife Eleni, Evanthia Amodio and her partner Scott, Maria Vanikiotis, Dimitrios Bakatsias, Panagiotis Bakatsias, Anastasios Bakatsias, Evanthia Riley, and Stavroula Riley; and his four great‑grandchildren, and extended family and friends. He is predeceased by all his siblings.

Services will include a viewing at Brooks Funeral Home on Sunday, January 4, 2026  from 2 to 5 pm, and a funeral at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Jimmy will be laid to rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Newburgh, NY, in honor of Jimmy's faith and lifelong connection to his community.