James George “Jim” RAPTIS, 95, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, February 22, 2026. Born March 16, 1930, in Wellsville, he was the son of George Konstantine and Angeline Vlahos Raptis. On October 28, 1956, in Boston, MA, he married Demetra “Demmye” Scouras of Boston, MA, who survives.
Surviving besides his wife, Demmye, are: three sons: George J Raptis of King of Prussia, PA; Michael J. (Michelle Forhan) Raptis of Wellsville and their children, Isabelle, Demetrios, and Gabriel, all of Wellsville, and Nicholas of Amherst; and Charles J. (Jennifer Persing) Raptis and their children, James, Demetra, Ronald, all of Orchard Park, and Dr. Lucy (Dr. Taylor Brophy) Raptis of Rochester; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Charles K. Raptis, who died in World War II; and two sisters, Irene (Rev. Louis) Mentis and Leah Theofanis.
A graduate of Wellsville High School, he earned an accounting degree from the University of Buffalo. He first worked at the accounting firm of Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co. and then as an accountant with Bradley Producing Company. Eventually, he took his father’s place as a partner in the Texas Hot Restaurant. He built and operated The Heater night club located on Andover Road. He also was a partner in the Arthur Treacher’s restaurant chain in Erie and Niagara counties in New York. Active in serving his community, he was chairman of the March of Dimes for Allegany County, served on the Jones Memorial Board of Managers, United Way Board of Directors, First Trust Union Bank Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce director, State University of New York Board of Trustees at Alfred, and the Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc. As Town Justice, he was on the Wellsville Town Board. An active Republican, he was a member of the Young Republican Club, served on the Allegany County Republican Committee and was a member of the Executive Committee. James was Allegany County campaign manager and county representative of Congressman Charles Goodell. He represented District IV on the Allegany County Board of Legislators and served as Chairman of the Board. Jim was a past member of the Masonic Lodge and the Allegany County Shrine Club. He was a member of the Wellsville Lions Club since April 1956, serving as treasurer and president. As a Lion, he brought the Christmas tree project to the library lawn and was responsible for the historical marker project of the Lions Club.
Jim always talked about “love” when speaking with the family and he quite often took the floor to go into a speech about “love.” His speeches were memorable and right on. Dad was quite an orator. He often wanted to hear about “your day” in detail because he truly cared to listen. He very much enjoyed the public. From working at the Texas Hot to just people watching as he got older, people were a pleasure to him. He lived in a time of no TV to the current level of technology. Taking all that he learned through all of those years and sharing it with not only family but shared his wisdom through board memberships and civic organizations. Communication was big in his mind. He was inquisitive when in discussion with others so he could learn and understand other points of view and how things worked. He passed much knowledge on to his extended family. Any time we would see him and ask “how are you doing” he would always say “I’m wonderful” with a big smile. The twinkle in his eye would often shine.
Jim had the highest standard of work ethic that came with honesty and humility. A true gentleman with a Hellenic spirit. He lived as an example of the definition of a good man. Jim always enjoyed the sight and sounds of water. From a creek to a river, from a pond to the ocean, he was mesmerized and at peace when by the water. The many years he spent in Myrtle Beach with his wife were all he needed for enjoyment. He adored his wife. It was as if he was still infatuated with her when he looked at her. Often telling those around him how lucky he was to have this beautiful woman. As for the grandchildren they ran a very close second to her. His love for all them was frequently voiced. In Greek, the word Raptis means tailor. Dad did his best to make sure the family or just the day was stitched up properly. Thank you, Dad.
Friends may call Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Friday in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Maple Avenue, Wellsville. Rev. Fr. Stephen W. Gousios, Pastor of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, will officiate.
Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. Memorials may be made to Wellsville Lions Club, Comfort House of Allegany County, or St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Jamestown.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
