Texas Hot icon, former Allegany County Chairman, and “Mr. Wellsville” honored by village
By JOHN ANDERSON (In the photo, James and Demetra Raptis celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary with breakfast at Perkins and dinner at Texas Hot)
There was something familiar and heart-warming when James Raptis would walk into the Texas Hot, a business on Main Street, or an event in the village. No matter how busy, stressful or chaotic your day was, a smile and quick conversation with Jim would make the world better.
The Wellsville icon and Texas Hot co-owner passed away on Feb. 26, 2026 at the age of 95 (see obituary here), and his presence is missed.
This was not lost on the village board.
On Monday night, village trustees proclaimed March 25, 2026 as James Raptis Day.
In his proclamation, Wellsville Mayor Ed Fahs said, “His accomplishments have left our community a better place because of his commitment.”
Here is the full proclamation:
James Raptis Day, March 25, 2026
In honor of James Raptis, and in tribute to his many significant accomplishments and appreciation for the recognition brought to the Wellsville community:
WHEREAS James G Raptis, better known as “Jim”, the son of Greek immigrants is one of those community members and leaders who is befitting of such recognition, and
WHEREAS Jim was educated and continued as a second-generation owner of the family business, the Texas Hot, and
WHEREAS Jim was a faithful husband of almost 70 years to his wife, Demetra and father of three sons: George, Michael, and Charles; grandfather to eight, and
WHEREAS Jim also served his community as chairman of the March of Dimes, a member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Board of Managers, United Way Board of Directors, First Trust Union Bank Advisory Board, and
WHEREAS Jim also served as a Town Justice, a member of the Wellsville Town Board, a Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Educational Foundation of Alfred Inc., and
WHEREAS Jim served his community and county as an active Republican and a member of the Allegany County Legislature where he served as Chairman of the board for several years, and
WHEREAS Jim was a past member of the Masonic Lodge and Allegany County Shriners club, served as President and Treasurer of the Wellsville Lions Club, and brought the Christmas Tree project to the David A Howe Library lawn. He was also responsible for the Historical Marker project of the Wellsville Lions Club, and
WHEREAS such accomplishments have left our community a better place because of his commitment
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, I, Edward Fahs, Mayor of the Village of Wellsville, find it fitting and right to, under my name and seal, proclaim Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Greek Independence Day, to be
James Raptis Day in the Village of Wellsville, New York, and I urge all citizens to join me in this observance.
Dated this twenty fifth day of March 2026
Edward Fahs, Mayor
Village of Wellsville, NY
See past Wellsville Sun reporting on Jim Raptis:
