On March 23, 1972, Demetrios and Olga Pappageorge welcomed James Nicholas to the world, weighing in at 10lbs. 3oz! Raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, he attended Day School of Transfiguration Elementary and went on to Newtown High School. Having been deeply involved in a variety of sports since childhood, Jimmy went on to pursue a career in physical therapy at Hunter College. His childhood fascination for adrenaline-driven outdoor adventures led him to what would be the beginning of his lifelong passion-the world of high-flying rescue and emergency medicine. In 1993, Jimmy became an EMT and began his career at a countless number of private and volunteer ambulance companies, beginning with Hunter, Woodhaven and Richmond Hills Volunteers, and St. John’s Hospital. He even worked in the ER of Parkway Hospital. In 1995, he joined the ranks of the Fire Department of New York and continued his efforts at Jacobi Hospital and finally, Station 16-Metropolitan Hospital. Satisfying his thirst for thrills, he worked perdiem at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital and St. Vincent’s Hospital. Having become an expert in “basic life support” as an EMT, he went on to become a Paramedic and graduated LaGuardia Community College in 1999. Jimmy began practicing “advanced life support” at Station 16-Harlem Hospital and also sought to sharpen his newfound skills by working perdiem at Cornell Medical Center and Columbia Presbyterian. Famous throughout the city for being a fearless and compassionate “buff,” Jimmy set another goal-to become a NYC Firefighter. He saw this as an opportunity to combine his expert emergency skills, physical strength and most of all, his team-player outlook on life. He endured the academy’s discipline in the hopes of becoming a part of a lifelong brotherhood. On July 23rd, having successfully completed the course, which included hands-on training at Queens Ladder Company #129/ Engine #273, Jimmy graduated. He proudly reported to Engine Company # 23 in Manhattan, anxious to show the big apple his new set of rescue skills. Jimmy began observing his new environment and started toying with new goals, perhaps using his intellect to become a fire marshal; Jimmy liked to learn, progress and move on to bigger and better things. He welcomed challenges and knew he would eventually leave a short, but remembered legacy of friendship, professionalism and courage. Six weeks later, on Sept. 11th, he did just that; he left a Hero. Jimmy is survived by his mother, Olga, and dear sister, Helen, an NYPD Narcotics Detective. He was engaged to Gina Pinos and little 6yr. old Justin. Jimmy and Gina were to celebrate their eight years of love with a wedding in September 2002.

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