Lt. Col. James (Jim) M. Georgoulakis, beloved husband, endearing father, loving grandfather, brother, friend and mentor to many people, passed away on August 26, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas. James Georgoulakis was born in Cicero, Illinois, on February 1, 1948, to Irene and Jim Georgoulakis.
Jim graduated from Morton East High School, Chicago, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, University of Alabama; MSW, University of Alabama; Ed. S. Counseling, Western Kentucky University; Ph.D. Psychology, Kansas State University; MBA, Our Lady of the Lake University; and, JD Concord Law School. Jim was inducted into the MBA National Business Honor Society and was named a distinguished scholar in law school. Dr. Georgoulakis was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) and received the APA's Karl F. Heiser Presidential Award. He also received the national Academy of Neuropsychology Presidential Award for contributions to the field of neuropsychology. An accomplished professor at Webster University in San Antonio, Jim received the Webster University prestigious William T. Kemper Excellence in Teaching Award. He was licensed in Clinical Psychology by the State of Arizona for Contributions to Psychology.
Dr. Georgoulakis had a long and varied career. He proudly served over 20 years active duty in the United States Army. At the time of his death, Dr. Georgoulakis was Clinical Professor in the Army Master of Social Work Program, Graduate School, United States Army Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Prior to that, Dr. "G," as he was called by his students, was professor in the Department of Health Care Administration and Department of Counseling, Webster University. Dr. Georgoulakis also held the position of Regional Academic Director for Webster University. He served as Director, Holt Health Care Consulting, San Antonio (1999-2002), with responsibility for internal and external health care for the Holt Companies. From 1996 to 1997, he was Chairman of the Finance and Facilities Committee, and adjunct professor (1993-1997) at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio.
A prolific writer, Dr. Georgoulakis authored or co-authored seventy books and articles. Jim also presented on the national and international level, including more than sixty-five presentations. His specialty in Medicare issues ranged from fraud and abuse to legal and regulatory issues to improving Medicare revenues.
From the time he was a young man, Jim was an incredible athlete. He attended the University of Alabama on a track and field scholarship and remained an avid fan of the school's athletic programs his entire life. He was the National AAU decathlon champion in 1967. In 1968 he placed fifth in the US Olympic trials in the decathlon. Jim was training for the Senior Olympics when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2014.
He fought a valiant battle against cancer for three years. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Jim, brother, Tommy Georgoulakis, and sister, Ramona Clark. Jim leaves behind his loving wife, Melissa; son, Steven; daughter, Mary Beth; two grandsons, Alex and Chace; granddaughter, Kalli; brother, Buddy (Mary) Georgoulakis; stepson, Shane M. Poston; and, his father-in-law, Dr. Forrest Hopkins. Jim is also survived by two sisters –in- law, Margot E. Gorske (Scott), and Magda Cohen, and two brothers-in-law, Adam P. Smith (Addi) and Jim Clark. He is also survived by three nephews, Jason and Brandon Georgoulakis and Alex Clark, and one niece, Tina Clark-Dent.
Dr. Georgoulakis was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church. He attended St. Sophia Church in San Antonio and at one time was on the board of directors.
There will be private services and burial on Wednesday September 6, 2017. Following services there will be a reception at 2:30 pm at St. Pius X Catholic Church located at 3907 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 2504 N. St. Mary's Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212.
Melissa conveys that Jim had a passion for the Lord, his family, military family, friends and his students. He gave all of himself to everyone in his life. He was never too busy to help someone in need. The well wishes he received throughout his illness were a testimony to the effect he had on each soul who knew and loved him. "It was an honor to be his wife and to have lived this journey with him."