Kenneth James

Mike was born on July 17, 1959 in Charleston, WV. Mike relocated to Bluefield, WV at age 8 where he attended public schools and graduated from Bluefield, WV High School in 1977. Mike attended North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC where he graduated in 1981 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mr.James began his career at Siemens in Tampa, FL and eventually worked for Westinghouse Corporation for a number of years until his business unit was bought by Eaton Corporation.

Mike retired in 2006 due to the health constraints brought about with multiple sclerosis. He became active in the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in Tampa and was instrumental in establishing support groups for those living with the disease. Throughout his retirement Mike spent much of his time writing poetry, connecting with family and friends, and became an inspiration to all who met and interacted with him. While Mike was reared in the Methodist faith, he converted to Roman Catholicism later in life. His spiritual journey became a lasting source of strength witnessed by all who met him.

Mike is survived by his devoted caregiver and Mother, Julia (Fortuna) James of Tampa, Florida; Brother Gregory (Meredith) James and daughters Ashley and Brittany and families of Westchase and Ocala, FL; brother Patrick (Teresa) James and daughters Kayla, Nicole, and Morgan James of Rockwall, TX; and “special brother” John David (Jeff) Brant of St. Petersburg, Florida. Secondly, Mr. James is survived by aunt Freda Fortuna Blankenship of Wesley Chapel, Florida and uncle Tony (Connie) Fortuna of Ormond Beach, Florida as well as numerous cousins across the country. He is also survived and forever thankful to his spiritual advisor and friend Steve Baade of Land O’ Lakes, FL

Mike was preceded in death by his Father, Willard “Bud” James of Tampa, FL; paternal grandparents Earl and Elma James of Dunbar, WV and Paulo and Mary Fortuna of Princeton, WV.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, February 14 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood Chapel located at 3207 West Bearss Ave in Tampa, FL. A prayer/rosary service will begin at 6:00 pm. Mike’s funeral will be held Tuesday, February 15 at 10:00 am at St Mary’s Catholic Church located at 15520 North Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to St Mary’s Catholic Church in Mike’s memory.