Who We Are

James "Big Jim" Fragakis

Big Jim, as he was known to all who met him, was born in Marquette, Michigan. His parents moved to Brooklyn, New York and that is where he spent his younger years until joining the Navy at the tender age of 18. His basic training was at Sampson Naval Base in Geneva, New York and he was then transferred to the Great Lakes Naval Station training as a fire engineer. His Naval duty was on the USS Honolulu, a light cruiser, which was torpedoed during an engagement during the Leyte Gulf War. In addition, Big Jim saw active combat at Guadalcanal, Saipan and Guam. He received a medical and honorable discharge from the Navy in 1945 and returned to Brooklyn to work in the family business.

He along with his wife Bess, and one young son moved to Miami Beach in 1955. He then moved to West Palm Beach in 1956. In 1975 he and Bess founded Executive Coffee Service Inc. Jim built authentic relationships with his customers using handshakes, not contracts. As the West Palm Beach area grew, Jim grew the business to fit the needs of the area. Today, Jim's children and grandchildren continue the tradition started by their father and grandfather in 1975.

Big Jim volunteered in numerous organizations during his professional career. In his younger years he was active in the West Palm Beach Junior Chamber of Commerce known then as the Jaycees. He joined the Westside Kiwanis in 1986 and also was one of five founders of a charitable organization by the name of Alzheimer's Community Care. He remained active in both up to his passing. Big Jim was a devoted supporter of his Naval buddies who served on the USS Honolulu and attended their annual reunions.