By Emily-Rose Toohey
Well-known Warwick local Jim Samios died on Monday 8 August at age 88 after battling bowel cancer, and his family and the Southern Downs at large are remembering his life and influence.
The businessman first came to Australia in 1951 after leaving his native Greece due to the tough circumstances he and his immediate family faced in the country after the war.
As a result, he arrived in Warwick in 1956 and started operating Belle Vue Cafe, which was a family legacy.
The business ran in the family as the late legend’s father lived in Warwick between 1919 and 1929, and operated the historic cafe with his two brothers.
Furthering his business venture, Jim also opened Samios Mini Mart 40 years ago, cementing his influence and legacy in the town.
The late legend’s son George Samios is reflecting on his dad’s impact on him, and said he was a very good Father.
“He loved to cook Greek food and used to like having dinner parties and he loved the company of people,” George said.
“He’d rather go without and see that his family were all doing well.”
Jim is survived by his children George and Katrina, their partners Therese and Phillip, his grandchild Chrysanthe, and extended family throughout Australia and Greece.
He will be farewelled by the Warwick community tomorrow from 10am at St Mark’s Anglican Church and the Samios family is asking that donations be made to Cancer Council Queensland in lieu of flowers, with envelopes to be available at the service, to further research into the disease.
