James Loizou

james loizou
James Loizou died quietly in his sleep the afternoon of November 18, 2019 surrounded by his beloved family. Born in Cairo, Egypt he was brought up in Paphos, Cyprus. He attended the University of Athens and received his BA from the University of Pittsburgh with graduate studies at Catholic University. He was an information scientist at the National Library of Medicine and was listed as a contributor to 23rd edition of Dorland’s Medical Dictionary. He founded the James School of Dance which has educated generations of students and which was notably the first in the Northern Virginia area to offer lessons to developmentally and emotionally challenged children. His successful groundwork continues to reach a third generation of dancers and has won international recognition. He retired to pursue other business and real estate interests. A founding member of St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church of Northern Virginia, he held at various times positions as head of the Sunday School, director of the Children’s Choir and most recently Proto-Psalti (head cantor) of the church, singing into his 91st year.

He loved life to the fullest. He constantly strived to improve mind and body, being an avid tennis player into his 80’s, joining Toastmasters International, and taking language classes in Spanish in his 70’s to add to his working knowledge of 6 languages. An idealist at heart, he was also President of the Friends of Cyprus, an organization devoted to communicating the complicated geo-political issues on the island of Cyprus to the American public. He and his wife Jane travelled all over the world in their retirement, broadening their appreciation for other cultures.

He leaves behind his cherished wife of 67 years, Jane, his four children Maria Jane, Dean (Lia) Jamie (Denise), Ellen (William Bailes), 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Family and Friends Time will be held at Money & King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Avenue, West, Vienna, VA on Sunday, November 24 between 2 and 4pm. Funeral services will be held at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, Virginia at 1pm on Monday November 25. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, online at donations@newyork.msf.org or 212-763-5779.

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  1. I have many fond memories of Mr. Loizou (and family) and my years (in the late ’60s through ’70s; see attached photo – I am pictured in the lower left photo) at the James School. I took almost every type of dance class offered and the dance school was a place I always enjoyed. One year I even helped to coach some wonderful young gymnasts who were preparing to participate in Special Olympics events. That was so rewarding. Mr. Loizou was kind and friendly and ensured that each student felt special and valued. I remember him so well. He would always have something nice to say when we finished class and were getting ready to leave and walked past his desk. The classes were rigorous and challenging, yet fun. They taught us diligence and patience and showed us that each person, regardless of their relative ability, had a special role. The recitals were an exciting culmination of a year’s worth of effort. To Mr. Loizou – thank you for all you did in life. You made a real difference for me and many others. May your kind soul rest in peace. You will be dearly missed. To the family: may the many wonderful memories of his well-lived life carry you through this most difficult time. I send you my most sincere condolences. I am sorry I cannot come to the visitation or funeral. I would have liked to see you all to give you a hug. Mara Baranson (email: mbaranson@msn.com)

  2. My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Loizou. I have posted, in his honor, a Memorial on the Find a Grave website, under his birth name of Demetrios Konstantinos Papaloizou. You will find, later today, a copy of his ship manifest record, as well. Peace be with you and may his memory be eternal. In Christ, Anastasia L. Topping (ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΙΑ Λ. ΤΟΠΙΤΖΗ)


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