Father of residents, owner of small business; car, train, and trolley enthusiast
James Nigzus. (Courtesy photo)
James Astargios Nigzus of Lowell, 91, passed away peacefully at D’Youville Life Care facility on Friday morning, Oct. 26, 2018, with his son Charlie by his side.
He was born in Exeter, New Hampshire on April 3, 1927, the first child of Astargios and Ourania [Boussias] Nigzus. He was predeceased in 2015 by his loving wife of 60 years, Charlotte Kratimenos Nigzus. They met as children when James’ family moved to the Centralville section of Lowell in the early 1930s and rented a home from Charlotte’s father.
James was educated in the Lowell public school system but had to end his education after ninth grade when his father Astargios Nigzus died from medical complications. He assumed the role of head of the household as well as running his father’s laundry business—the Centralville Laundry. James was drafted during World War II and was training in an Army infantry replacement unit prior to being discharged at the conclusion of the war.
He returned home to Lowell and lived with his mother and younger sister, Aphrodite. He reopened the Centralville Laundry and subsequently bought the New System Laundry and merged their operations. His first major purchase was a new laundry truck—a 1946 Chevrolet panel vehicle that was surplus from the war effort. This vehicle was well-known throughout the Greater Lowell area, appearing in parades and car shows. He drove this truck up to 2017 and cared for it for 72 years.
James was an active member of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell, having served on the parish council for many years. He also was a member and past treasurer of the Greek Benevolence Association, AHEPA.
After his retirement from the laundry business, James pursued his interest in transportation. He drove a charter bus for several years, bringing many groups to attractions and ski resorts throughout New England. He also spent many years working as a weekend conductor on the Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, railroad. Later, he became a trolley motorman for the Lowell National Historic Park. He spent many years driving the trolley before retiring a second time. He also enjoyed travelling and spending time in Key West along with several memorable trips to Greece.
He is survived by his three sons and their spouses: Steve Nigzus and his husband George Triantaris of Harvard; James and Karen Nigzus of Dracut; and Charles and Colleen Nigzus, also of Harvard. In addition, James leaves five grandchildren: Christine and James P. of Dracut; and James A., William, and Thomas of Harvard.
Funeral services were held at the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Lowell on Wednesday, Oct. 31, followed by interment at Westlawn Cemetery.
