Demetrios “Jim” Condeelis, 88 Hell’s Kitchen

Demetrios Condeelis, best known by his nickname Jim, was most proud of his city roots.

“‘I wouldn’t trade my Hell’s Kitchen upbringing for anything,’ ” his widow, Diane Jean George, recalls him saying.

And that’s why Condeelis, who passed away on April 10, was known for serving his community — working on behalf of residents to fight for community services, like reasonable rents. Condeelis was a member of Community Board 4; his other efforts included starting the neighborhood’s Clinton Planning Council. He formed the latter in response to the 1959 Capeman murders, in which a gang member killed two teenagers in a Hell’s Kitchen playground, sparking a movement to procure more police protection for the area.

His service was not only local, but national: Condeelis also served in the Korean War. “He was a person who was very patriotic,” George adds. “It was like a calling to him.” He supported his community, country — and his partner. When she was singing at a Catholic church, George says, Condeelis would go watch her, even though he was Greek Orthodox.

“If I had four masses on a weekend, he would come to all of them,” she says.

Given his deep connection to Midtown, George says, there’s been an outpouring of sympathetic wishes and fond memories from neighbors since his passing.

She vows that there will be a celebration of his life.

“When we’re allowed to be together,” she says, “we will have a memorial service.”