JSI Mourns the Passing of Its Founder, John Staurulakis

JSI mourns the loss of an industry leader, father, partner and friend. Mr. John Staurulakis passed away on October 13, 2014, in Florida.  Mr. Staurulakis was the founder and Chairman of JSI. He was 84.

Mr. Staurulakis’ memory will live on as part of the rich fabric of the rural telecommunications industry as he was a principal force in building today’s dynamic rural industry. Before launching the company which bears his name, he worked at the New York Public Service Commission and the U.S. Independent Telephone Association, where he developed the framework for how independent and cooperative companies could secure a stronger bargaining position at the telephone industry’s financial table. With the launch of John Staurulakis, Inc. in 1962, he formalized and established his important role in ensuring that rural Americans would have access to reliable telephone service in their communities. His many industry leadership roles include being among the founders of OPASTCO in 1963, the first recipient of NTCA’s Associate Member Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 and being honored at numerous associations and rural companies throughout the nation. Mr. Staurulakis retired from day-to-day operations at JSI in 1997, but continued as chairman until his passing.

Mr. Staurulakis was preceded in death by his wife, Chresanthe (Chris), who passed away in 2009. He is survived by his children, Manny Staurulakis and his wife Bessie, Leo Staurulakis and his wife Cheryl, and Joanne Scheller and her husband Jerry, as well as eight grandchildren.