James Econome

James Econome as he is known to family and friends in the US was born Dimitrios Economou in Demati, Epirus, Greece on March 20, 1935 to parents Vasilios and Athena. At the age of 21,like many young men of his generation he left his home in Greece and travelled to America to start a new life. He settled in Philadelphia, learned to speak English fluently and became known as James Econome in his new Country. In 1963,he returned to Greece where he met and married Lambrine Botsaris. Together they returned to Philadelphia, where they started their own family and  welcomed daughters Athena and Bessie. James owned and operated a neighborhood market in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. He was a devoted father who worked tirelessly to ensure his daughters had access to every opportunity. In his retirement, James spent his time supporting his family’s pretzel business, and spending time with his six grand children. He was an active member of the Epirus Society and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Elkins Park. He passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026 surrounded by those he loved most.  James is remembered by family and friends as a hardworking, kind, and generous family man. 

James is predeceased by his brother Kosta and brother in law George Botsaris. He is survived by: his wife Lambrine, children Athena and Loucas Louca, Bessie and Chris Derk, grandchildren Victoria, Lazarus, and Alexia Louca and Nicholas, Anthony, and Matthew Derk as well as his sister Kostantina (Konstantinos) Stavrakis, sister in law Olga (Kosta) Econome, and sisters in law Toula (Athanasios) Bazoukas and Sophia (Napoleon) Konstantinidis and as well nieces and nephews in the US and Greece. 

Friends and family are invited to view Wednesday May 6, 2026 from 10-11am at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7921 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027.  His viewing will begin at 11am.  Interment to follow in Laurel Hill West Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, PA.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in James' name be made to the church.  

The front parking lot will be blocked for the festival so please our staff will beguiding parking in the rear lot as well as the street. 

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