James Placotaris

James J. Placotaris, 79, of Hellertown, and formerly of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 4, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Rita (deLeon) Placotaris. They celebrated 51 years of marriage last May. Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late John and Lena (Andreoli) Placotaris. He served his country honorably in the Navy. Following his service, Jimmy joined the family business and soon came to own and operate the former Plaky’s Bakery in Fountain Hill. In 1992, he sold the business and began a second career teaching baking at the Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School. He retired in 2000. He was a member of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Hellertown. Survivors: Wife; sons, Michael and his wife Mia of North Wales, John of Hellertown, and Steve, and his wife Tonette of Forks Twp; grandchildren: Tomasa, Hope, Luke, and Evan; and a sister Katherine Pandelios of Bethlehem. He was predeceased by a brother Michael. Services: Funeral Mass, 10 a.m., Thursday, St. Theresa Catholic Church. Visit the family at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, and 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. Please visit his “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.