John James Pappas

John James Pappas, 84, Crosby, died April 2, 2015 at Bethany Good Samaritan Homes in Brainerd. He lived there after he experienced a hemorrhagic stroke in April 2014. He was born March 12, 1931 in Duluth, MN to James and Mary (Apostolakos) Pappas. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1955. He trained as a cryptographer and held top-secret clearance. He is a lifetime member of the Myron-James Post 443 in Ironton, MN. After teaching for five years in Willow River, MN, John moved to Crosby-Ironton in 1962. John taught junior high students American History and Civics in the C-I school district for 25 years until 1987. While teaching at C-I, he also coached baseball, football, basketball and golf. He was inducted into the C-I Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution to the golf program. For two years following his retirement from teaching, John became C-I's first Director of Community Education. He retired from this administrative job in fall 1989. He continued to work part-time at Ruttger's golf courses in Bay Lake. He also delivered flowers on special occasions where his love of music led him to sing to customers in Greek and Italian, as well as English. John served on the executive boards of both MFT and MEA, two Minnesota teacher's organizations. The MFT awarded him a lifetime membership as did Local 1325 of Crosby-Ironton for 30 years of service as a negotiator and member of the group responsible for C-I's first Master Contract. John was a mental health advocate who was appointed to the MN State Mental Health Board by then-governor, Jesse Ventura. He was devoted to raising community awareness regarding mental health. He was involved with the Crisis Line. He facilitated a weekly mental health support group at the Presbyterian Church in Crosby for many years. He advocated for those disabled by their mental illness. John coordinated C-I Memorial Day programs for many consecutive years and was treasurer of the C-I Senior Center before moving to Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby. He lived there for two years where he enjoyed Christian fellowship, lifelong learning programs and especially the positive social atmosphere provided by staff and residents. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen (Mannila) Pappas; and his brother, Peter Pappas. He is survived by his children, Bruce (Debbi) Pappas, Brainerd; Charmaine (Jim) Donovan, Brainerd; Mary (Brad) Pappas-Ladd, Brainerd; Steven (Reyyna) Pappas,Ellijay, GA; Deanna (Jim) Choate, Richfield. 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; three brothers, Gust, Nick and Christ; and four sisters, Kiki, Teddi, Cathy and Urania. Funeral Services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Lifespring Church in Crosby. Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby with full military honors by the Myrin-James American Legion Post #443 of Ironton. Visitation will be on Friday at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby from 4 to 8 pm and on Saturday 1 hour prior to the services at the church.