By Rebecca Goodman
Enquirer staff writer

INDIAN HILL - James Charles "Jim" Ponticos, former co-owner of the Cupid Ice Cream Co., founded in 1921 by his father, Charles, died Tuesday at Jewish Hospital from complications of a stroke he had two months ago. The Indian Hill resident was 78.

Mr. Ponticos' father immigrated to Cincinnati from Greece in 1912 and operated candy and ice cream shops in Elmwood Place and Northside. He formed the Cupid Ice Cream Co. - which specialized in making ice cream novelties for sale by truck and pushcart peddlers - in 1921.

Mr. Ponticos worked with his father in the business until they sold it to French Bauer in 1966.

Born in Cincinnati in 1926, he was his parents' youngest child and only son. He grew up in Clifton and graduated from Hughes High School before becoming a sergeant in the Army, serving in combat in Europe during World War II.

He returned to Cincinnati after the war to become his father's partner in the ice cream business. After they sold it, Mr. Ponticos became a food broker for French Bauer. He also worked for Wilson Dairy, Royal Crest Dairy and the Al Lee Meyer Co. before retiring in 1988.

He married Koula Collis, a Greek immigrant, in 1956, and they made their home in Clifton. Ten years later, they moved their family to Indian Hill.

"The most important thing next to his family was his church," said his son Greg of Montgomery.

Mr. Ponticos was a member of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and served as finance chairman when the congregation constructed its current building in Finneytown in 1972.

In retirement, he set up a woodworking shop in his garage. There, he created bookcases, mantelpieces and other furniture. Each of his children have a handmade piece proudly displayed in their homes. "They're showroom quality," said his son. "He was a perfectionist."

Mr. Ponticos was a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and the Cincinnati Restaurant Association.

In addition to his son Greg, survivors include: his wife of 48 years, Koula; another son, George of Kenwood; a daughter, Sophia Fields of Montgomery; two sisters, Martha Pappas of Clifton and Elizabeth Johns of Rockville, Md.; and seven grandchildren.

Visitation is 10 a.m. Saturday followed by the service at noon at Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road. Burial will be at Spring Grove Cemetery.

Memorial donations to the church are suggested.