James Rudolph Agras

James Rudolph Agras

After 96 lively and fulfilling years, Jim Agras, of Mt. Lebanon peacefully passed away on April 8, 2026 with his wife, Electra, and children and grandchildren by his side.  He was the son of the late Rudolph and Sofia Agraphiotis and was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Agras.  After attending Schenley High School, Jim graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied business.  He was a devoted, lifelong member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, where he proudly sang in the church choir to the byzantine music arranged by his father, Rudolph.  Jim was a proud veteran of the US Army having served in Korea.

Jim and Electra were lifetime supporters of the arts and enjoyed attending the opera, the theatre and the symphony, where they went on their first date in 1952.  Jim spent his early adult years in sales and uncovered his love of telling a story.  In 1972, he joined a small proprietary school to help boost student enrollment.  From that endeavor, Jim grew the school, acquired it and as CEO, expanded the school known as Triangle Tech across six locations in Pennsylvania.  Jim was the longest serving member of the State Board of Education having served 27 years.  He also served on the board of the Pittsburgh Opera and was a proud supporter of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Those fortunate enough to know “Jimmy” well experienced his quick wit, sense of humor and elaborate practical jokes.  Jim endearingly coined creative and humorous nicknames for family and friends.  Above all, Jim was a devoted and cherished husband, father and proud grandfather.  Together, he and Electra played lifelong significant roles in the lives of their four grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Electra, of 70 years, his daughter, Sofia Janis and Andrew; his son, Rudolph Agras and Amber; and his grandchildren, James Janis and his wife, Erin; Electra Janis; James Agras II; and Alexandra Agras.  Jim will be sorely missed for his love, thoughtfulness, generosity, sense of humor and above all, for his example of treating others with appreciation, respect and dignity.  He was a true legend who had a great run.

Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 3 to 7PM with Trisagion Service at 7PM.  Funeral service on Tuesday April 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  (Everyone please meet at church) Entombment at The Homewood Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 419 South Dithridge Street, Pittsburgh, PA  15213.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Rudolph Agras, please visit our floral store.