James Econome, born Dimitrios Economou in Demati, Epirus, Greece, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, surrounded by those he loved most. He was 91.
He was born on March 20, 1935, to Vasilios and Athena Economou. At 21, like many young men of his generation, he left his village and traveled to the United States to begin a new life. He settled in Philadelphia, learned English, and became known in the United States as James Econome.
In 1963, James returned to Greece, where he met and married Lambrine Botsaris. The couple came back to Philadelphia together and built their family life there, raising two daughters, Athena and Bessie.
James owned and operated a neighborhood market in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The work was demanding, but it reflected the steady commitment he brought to his family. He was a devoted father who worked tirelessly so his daughters would have every opportunity available to them.
In retirement, James remained close to the life and work of his family. He spent time helping with the family’s pretzel business and enjoying the company of his six grandchildren. Family and friends remember him as hardworking, kind, generous, and deeply devoted to those around him.
He was also connected to the Greek-American community through his involvement with the Epirus Society and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Elkins Park.
James was predeceased by his brother, Kosta Econome, and his brother-in-law, George Botsaris. He is survived by his wife, Lambrine; his daughters and sons-in-law, Athena and Loucas Louca, and Bessie and Chris Derk; his grandchildren, Victoria, Lazarus, and Alexia Louca, and Nicholas, Anthony, and Matthew Derk; his sister, Kostantina Stavrakis and her husband, Konstantinos; his sister-in-law, Olga Econome; his sisters-in-law, Toula Bazoukas and her husband, Athanasios, and Sophia Konstantinidis and her husband, Napoleon; and nieces and nephews in the United States and Greece.
Family and friends are invited to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 7921 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. The funeral service is expected to follow at 11 a.m., but that time should be confirmed with the family or church before publication. Interment will take place at Laurel Hill West Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in James’ name be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.