Cannella, James John “Jimmy”, 64, born November 3, 1955, in Tampa, Fla., passed away Thursday August 6, 2020 after a 3-year battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph V. Cannella. He is survived by his loving mother, Gemma Bonanno Cannella; daughter Elise Cannella McMahon and husband Daniel of Ft. Myers, Fla.; granddaughter, Alexus McMahon of Ft. Myers, Fla.; brothers, Mark J. Cannella, Joseph H. Cannella and wife, Paula Cannella; nieces, Victoria and Alessandra Cannella.
Jimmy was a lifelong resident of Tampa, living his early childhood in Ybor City. Jimmy graduated from Adelphi High School in 1974 and attended HCC where he studied art. He loved the outdoors and spent his teenage years water skiing on Lake Egypt or surfing in Coco Beach, Fla. He also loved American Motors cars and was known as the guy with the purple and gold 72 AMC Gremlin.
Jimmy was extremely creative and found his true passion in the culinary world and worked as chef at The Lincoln Hotel Westshore, Head Chef at both the Ramada Westshore and Carrollwood Country Club. He realized his dream of owning his own restaurant in 1986 when he became the owner of Celebrations Restaurant in Carrollwood. His biggest success was as a single parent. He raised his daughter, Elise, and was most proud of her and her achievements in the real estate profession.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2020 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, entombment to follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
