From Gina Pinos, James' fiancé
James has been working under the FDNY umbrella for the past 5 years, initially as an EMT and later on as a Paramedic. He became a firefighter on 07/23/01.
As you can see, he dedicated his career to rescuing people. He was known by many in the emergency field throughout Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx for being a "buff" willing to take on all odds to reach those in need. He lived for those days when he could save someone's life on the job and befriend the loneliest soul during his personal time. He was a hero to us long before the WTC tragedy.
He has one sister by the name of Helen Pappageorge who was also born to help others - she is an NYPD detective with Queens Narcotics, and his mother, Juana Pappageorge.
If he has indeed passed on to heaven, he is surely with his beloved father, Demetrios Pappageorge; he himself passed away in April 2000.