WILMINGTON — Demetrios Nick Patsalos, affectionately known as “Jimbo”, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
He was born on November 29, 1934 in Varvitsa, Greece and immigrated to the United States at the age of 15. He worked extremely long and hard hours at Lindy’s restaurant in Long Island, NY, saved his money, and bought the restaurant as his own, which he owned and operated for 10 years. After selling Lindy’s, he bought Nicky’s restaurant in Mineola, NY, which he ran for 10 years with his wife Anna. They sold that business and moved to Wilmington, NC in 1977, where he opened up Jimbo’s Breakfast and Lunch House on December 15, 1977. The restaurant meant everything to him and he worked there with his wife and son tirelessly and long hours to serve the Wilmington community, where it continues to do so in his namesake for nearly five decades. It brought him great joy to be at the restaurant, and he was there every day up until his health declined in the last month.
He was extremely appreciative of his Wilmington patrons, many of which were generational customers. His favorite thing to do was to hand out Dum Dums lollipops to all the kids (young and old) that came to the restaurant and greet them with a smile.
He was a loving husband, father, and cherished grandfather “Papou”. He was warm, kind, caring, forgiving, and extremely generous. He always had a positive outlook on life and rarely complained, always grateful. He was devoted to his Greek Orthodox faith and a long-standing member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. He was a lifetime member of the Order of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association).
His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, watching sports, and playing cards with friends. He was also an avid history buff and shared many stories of his time growing up in Greece during World War II. He loved to travel back to his home in Greece, where he spent time with family and friends.
Jimbo always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye wherever he was. He was very family-oriented and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. He was a loving and devoted husband to the love of his life, Anna, for 59 years, and they built a life together originally in NY and then in Wilmington, NC. He was a beloved father and best friend to his son Nick, who he shared many hobbies with including their love for hunting and fishing. He was loved and cherished by his favorite daughter-in-law Joyce, always sharing jokes and making smile. Perhaps his biggest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, Anna and Chris, who he loved dearly and who loved and adored him tremendously.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Maria Patsalos, his brothers George and Petros, and his sisters Athanasia and Toula.
He is survived by his beloved wife Anna Patsalos, his son Nick Patsalos and wife Joyce, grandchildren Anna and Chris, all of Wilmington, NC, his sister Paraskevi of NY, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 608 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403.
If sending flowers, the family suggests Eddie’s Floral Gallery, 4710 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28405, 910-791-0990.
