Jimmy Theo Patronis, Sr., 88, of Panama City, Florida went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 9, 2020. He was born January 19, 1931, in Tallahassee, Florida to Theo & Evangelia Patronis. Jimmy graduated in 1953 from Florida State University with a degree in Business. Although he is an alumnus of Florida State, and was a diehard Florida State sports fan, we must not fail to mention that Jimmy attended the University of Florida for a year and a half.

Jimmy served as a Captain in the United States Air Force and moved to Panama City in 1953 to go into the restaurant business with his brother, Johnny Patronis. The two brothers operated the Seven Seas Restaurant and later purchased Captain Anderson's Restaurant, of which he and his family are the current owners. Jimmy truly knew the value and lessons of hard work and will be long remembered for the many first jobs that he gave to so many over the decades. Jimmy truly believed and proved that the American Dream is attainable and still exists to this day. With a strong work ethic, perseverance and a loyal brother by his side, Jimmy was the epitome of that dream.

He was an active member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Panama City Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Beach Rotary Club, a member of the Florida State Booster Club, and a former owner and director of a local bank. Together, Jimmy and his brother proudly donated the land for the Patronis Elementary School in Panama City Beach, Florida. Jimmy was also a co-founder of the St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church and was honored with an appointment as an Archon, The Order of St. Andrew, the highest honor the church can bestow on a layman.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 61 years and love of his life Helen Cleondis Patronis. They are the proud parents of four sons, Theo Patronis (Nan), Yonnie Patronis (Lea), Nick Patronis (Jade), and Jimmy Patronis Jr. (Katie); seven granddaughters: Eleni Hamm (Chance), Maria Patronis, Christina Singletary (Dylan), Anna, Alexa, Calliope and Nikole Patronis; three grandsons: Jimmy Nick, Jimmy Theo III, and John Michael Patronis; two great granddaughters: Anneliese and Lauren Amelia Hamm (January 2020); brother Johnny Patronis (Joanie); sister Chrisoula Skaroulis; brother-in-law Rev. James Cleondis (Toni) and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020, at 12 noon at the First Baptist Church of Panama City with Reverend George Dursa officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Wilson Funeral Home on Sunday, January 12, 2020, from 3 to 6 p.m. Active pallbearers will be his four sons Theo Patronis, Yonnie Patronis, Nick Patronis, Jimmy Patronis Jr., as well as grandsons Jimmy Nick, Jimmy Theo and Johnny Michael Patronis. Honorary Pallbearers will include Paul Cordon, Paul Sims, Dr. Warren Hitt, Chef Alonzo Keys, Bill Janos, Charlie Lewis, George Dracos, Dr. Mark Williams and Jackie Howell. The family would like to thank Covenant Hospice and Palliative Care, Shirley Frazier, Ruby Vinal, Bonnie Phinney, Jason Smith, Drs. Vickie Harrell and Mutaz Tabbaa.

The family requests that a memorial gift be made to the Patronis Brothers Foundation Endowed Scholarship at FSU Panama City. Donations may be sent to the attention of the Office of Advancement at 4750 Collegiate Drive, Panama City, FL 32405 or donors may call (850) 770-2108 for assistance.