Dr. James Michael Cholakis, born on November 25, 1941, in Albany, NY, peacefully passed away on September 10, 2024. He was the son of Greek immigrant parents, Michael and Anna Cholakis, and was raised in the close-knit Greek community of Albany. Greek was his first language and his cultural upbringing instilled in him the deep values and traditions of his heritage, which shaped his approach to life and work.

He was educated at Albany Military Academy and went on to attend Siena College before earning his PhD in pharmacology at the University of Rochester. After serving in the U.S. Army Reserves as part of the Medical Corps, Dr. Cholakis began his career as a brilliant scientist and renowned toxicologist, flourishing in roles at Ortho Pharmaceuticals, Midwest Research Institute, Quincy Labs, and Shook, Hardy & Bacon, which eventually led to the founding of his own toxicology consulting practice, a career that continued through his retirement. As an esteemed member of the Society of Toxicology (SOT), he formed many lifelong connections through his work and was admired for his leadership, insight, and contributions to the field.

His family & friends remember him as wise, kind, gracious, loving, loyal, and calm, with a fabulous sense of humor — always "thinking and considering." People cherished his company, not only for his wisdom but also for the warmth and steadiness he brought into their lives. Jim had a unique ability to see tough situations clearly, always offering his insights with humility and care - with detailed analysis after significant research! His patience, steady leadership, sense of humor, and infectious laugh brought joy to everyone around him. Those living in his current community benefitted by his role as their HOA Board Vice-president.

Jim's passions included dancing, travel, cars, tennis, and pinball machines. He could take apart and put together a car, do the same with a pinball machine, and even became a certified scuba diver, specifically to diagnose and repair their own swimming pool! His curiosity and drive to understand how things worked extended into all areas of his life. He was actively involved with the Mercedes-Benz Club in Kansas City, MO, and the Jacaranda Tennis Club in Venice, FL, where he developed strong friendships and enjoyed the camaraderie of like-minded enthusiasts. He kept his cultural roots alive through Greek food and travels, often with good friends, to Greece and Italy.

He was utterly adored by his daughter, granddaughters, and his loving wife of 51 years. Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Cross; his cherished daughter, Christine Cholakis Tolbert; his beloved granddaughters, Alexandra and Athena; his son-in-law, Christopher Tolbert; and his niece, Audrey Cross. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Anna, and his brother, John.

Jim is deeply missed by his family, countless friends, and neighbors, all of whom turned to him for his wisdom, guidance, and humor, and in return brought him lifelong love, honor, and joy.

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