Jim Vrettos
Jim Vrettos started working in the service industry at age nine, bringing water to the counter customers in his dad's luncheonette on Chicago's south side. In his early teens the family moved to the north side. They rented a storefront at the corner of Broadway and Belmont, and opened a fruit stand, where Jim continued to work and to gain experience (especially in the finer points of customer service). Jim served in the Army from 1952 thru 1955. After the sudden death of his Father in 1956, he bought out the other Family members to establish the Evergreen Fine Foods. Jim and his wife Monica worked long hours, seven days a week, and seldom took a vacation. They never lived more than half a city block from the store. He loved the neighborhood and its people and came to be an active member of the community. Jim worked to establish the first Broadway Chamber of Commerce. He started a small ad paper to promote store sales. The front page of the paper was dedicated to neighborhood news. He took on everything from slumlords to streetwalkers. He worked with all the local religious and community groups, local government and police agencies. Still, he found time to grow and enlarge his business and establish the Broadway Art Fair. After fifty-two years in business on Belmont and Broadway, Jim retired. One of his long-time activities had been as an active member of Rotary. In 2001, Jim got an idea for a marathon race (8K run and 5K walk) to benefit Rotary's worldwide program to eliminate polio. Although his idea initially met with apathy and some resistance, Jim's years of business acumen and community involvement gave him the determination and the skills to make this idea a reality, and "Race To The Finish" was born. As one friend put it, "All he has to do is flash that smile, and you're won over." The race is now an annual Rotary event. Jim passed away in July, 2003, creating a void in the lives and hearts of his family, friends, fellow volunteers, and the many people whose lives were enriched by his selflessness and dedication to others. Click here to read:
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