Community remembers Jimbo’s founder Jimmy ‘Jimbo’ Patsalos
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Friends, family, and customers are paying tribute to Jimmy “Jimbo” Patsalos, who died February 7th at the age of 91.
Memorabilia of Jimmy “Jimbo” Patsalos scatter the walls at the restaurant that bears his name.
“He was hard-working, very, you know, loved the place, loved the people, giving, thoughtful, good-hearted,” said Anna Patsalos.
Anna Patsalos says she founded “Jimbo’s” with her husband 48 years ago.
She says it was always about the people, and “Jimbo” helped make that happen.
“We all worked at Jimbo’s since 19, December 15 of 1977—endless hours—trying to make everybody happy. They were happy, they supported us very, very much, and we really appreciate that,” said Patsalos.
That garnered support came from “regulars” like George and Marie Millington.
“We’ve been coming here for over 30 years,” said Millington.
Over scrambled eggs and hash browns, they reminisced about “Jimbo” and the atmosphere he created.
“We’d always see Jimbo sitting at the counter over there, and I’d go over and talk to him, and he was very nice,” said George Millington.
“He was here almost up to the very, very end; he would come and sit,” said Marie Millington.
Patsalos says “Jimbo” had a very fulfilled life.
“He had a very good life and he appreciated that, he was very thankful, thanking God every day for a good life, he had a goof family, an excellent son, and, you know, he died happy with having a very good family, grandchildren, a great daughter-in-law, and a successful business, and very good people working for him,” said Patsalos.
She says business will continue as usual, just as “Jimbo” would want.
“I’m sure he wishes that my son and I continue the business, and, actually, my son has taken over, and I will try now to go more often because I was taking care of him for a couple of years,” said Patsalos.
Information regarding funeral arrangements has yet to be released at this time.
