Friday, November 6, 2026
James Louis Vitas, resident of Hampton, New Hampshire and Marco Island, Florida passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at home in New Hampshire on August 7th, 2025. At 76 years young, Jim selflessly persevered with strength, courage, determination and grace throughout the last year of his life. Jim, who many friends fondly referred to as “Jimmy V” or “Big Jim” was born January 28,1949 in Haverhill, Massachusetts to his parents Bessie and Louie Vitas. Growing up on Webster Street in Haverhill, Massachusetts, Jim was active in his community as an involved participant of the YMCA where he spent many childhood days with his brother, Ted, as his parents owned and operated the restaurant Tuscororas across the street from the Y. The YMCA always held a special place in his heart, where he experienced a deep sense of community while working on his athleticism, public speaking, and learning how to give back to his community. Jim's love for community ran deep as he was the President of the Kiwanis Club in the Haverhill area, an organization focused on improving the world one child and one community at a time. Jim was an altar boy at the Haverhill Greek Church, a cub scout in his local troop, and an involved participant at his public schools, Jim’s athletic career included being captain of his bowling team, a catcher for the Pentucket All Stars Little League Baseball Team, a quarterback of his football team in addition to being a dodgeball and basketball teammate. Newspaper articles and scrapbook mementos chronicled his time as a well-rounded athlete, including his table tennis match win for all 9-10 year olds as well as his televised baseball team victory at 11 years old.
After attending Haverhill High for a few years, Jim transferred to boarding school at the young age of 16 where he entered into a program for gifted students, attending the New Hampton School, where he graduated high school. Jim then went on to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine earning his Bachelor's degree and swimming competitively as well as being on the debate team. During his college summers, Jim was a lifeguard and bartender alongside his brother, Ted at Salisbury Beach, Massachusetts . Jim loved the ocean and was a true waterman. He later went on many exciting white water rafting trips out West and fishing expeditions to Alaska, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and upstate New York with his son Zach, and sometimes other family and friends. Jim had a true love for the West and for nature, a love he passed down to his children.
Jim lived by the phrase “always do your best” and was the type of man that led by example. Jim enjoyed an incredible career at the Stephen Gould Corporation, where he went on to co-lead a large sales team in both the New England and Chicago offices with his brother Ted. Jim was deeply respected and admired for his leadership and mentoring styles which embodied compassion, friendship and continued pursuit of success. These traits helped him earn the trust of many and enabled him to influence so many lives. Jim made a lasting impression on all those that were lucky enough to work with him. He was revered for his compassion, kindness and fun-loving disposition throughout his career and into retirement. Jim kept in touch with many of his colleagues well after he left Stephen Gould, a true testament to who he was as an individual.
As Jim grew his business, he welcomed three children with his first wife, Maria in Atkinson New Hampshire. During this stage of his life, he explored his love for fast cars and fast skiing. Many weekends were spent at Black Mountain and Bretton Woods enjoying winter activities. Catching that adrenaline rush, Jim flew down the mountain on Sundays at high speeds decked out in the latest ski attire and gear. Back home in Atkinson New Hampshire, Jim cruised around town in a Lamborghini, Ferrari or NSX while blasting Barry White music, sometimes top down and roadie in tow. In December 1997, Jim embraced his next chapter as he met Jean, the love of his life. They began their incredible love story and journey of 24 years together. Jim was a proud father of four children who loved him with all their heart; adopting Kayla on Fathers Day when she was just seven years old - a testament to his love for Jean and further solidifying the bonds of family. Jim cherished family above all else.
A young retirement at the age of 62 was a welcomed chapter in life for Jim and Jean where Jim continued to enjoy pursuing his passions and hobbies alongside sharing time with his growing family as he welcomed three grandchildren into his life: Ryder, Mason and Farrah. He was referred to as “Papou”, the Greek word for grandfather, and was deeply loved by them all, teaching them life sessions about compassion, integrity, determination and following their dreams. In retirement, Jim continued his love for the ball game as he played for multiple Marco Island softball leagues, including Nacho Mama’s, the Brewery, DaVinci’s and many other teams where his news story headlines continued in the local paper and social media. Jim was a well-loved teammate and manager in the softball league. Throughout the past year he attended as many games as he could and helped keep score and also cheered on his beloved friends and teammates. Beyond softball, Jim enjoyed being on the golf course at Haverhill and Abenaqui Country Clubs, taking walks on the beach and kicking back in his recliner chair, looking out on his lanai or the Atlantic Ocean. He cherished Sunday family dinners, was an avid reader, reading hundreds of books, loved romantic dinners out with Jean, a well-written card, and getaways, as well as a good cocktail and cigar at happy hour.
A loving, family-centered man, Jim was partners in youth and adulthood with his beloved younger brother Theodore (Ted) Vitas who predeceased him in 2022. Ted was his best friend and trusted companion throughout their lives together. He leaves behind his cherished and adored wife of 24 years, Jean Marie Vitas, along with his children Charrissa Vitas Crosby and husband Bryan Crosby of Beverly Massachusetts, his son, Eleas Zachary Vitas and wife Katie (James) Vitas of Boxford, Massachusetts, his son, James Vitas Jr. of New York, New York, and daughter Kayla Vitas and soon-to-be husband Brooks Taylor of Nashville, Tennessee. His grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Ryder James Vitas (12), Mason Eleas Vitas (10) and Farrah Belle Crosby (8), and other close family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held in New Hampshire this September and in Florida before the end of 2025. In lieu of flowers, Jim's family kindly suggests donations made in his honor to an important cause or community supporting charity of your choice such as your local YMCA, Kiwanis Club or youth sports programming.
August 14, 2025 Coastal Breeze News
