James Brewster Selman, Jr.

Selman, James B., 91, went home to his Lord on Tuesday after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was a native and lifelong Floridian, born in Bradenton on April 2, 1925. A veteran of World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 18th birthday and served until 1946. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1950 with a degree in Journalism, and married Barbara Cantrell the next day. Jim and Barbara were married for nearly 63 years until her death in 2013. He is survived by son, Robert (Ardis) of Greenwood; daughter, Beckie Johnson (Terry) of Ocala; son, David (Pam) of Tampa and son, Tom (Sherry) of Lake City; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jim was the assistant sports editor of the Tampa Tribune from 1957 until his retirement in 1990. Previously he worked at his hometown paper, the Bradenton Herald. Jim covered numerous Super Bowls, World Series and championship boxing matches. He served many years in the music ministry of Lake Carroll Baptist Church as well as the youth detention center ministry. Upon retirement, Jim began raising grandchildren while watching his favorite teams: Florida State, the Rays and the Bucs. Although a UF grad, Jim covered FSU football for 15 years and ended up bleeding garnet and gold. Visitation will be from 6-8 Friday evening at Lake Carroll Baptist Church, with funeral services on Saturday at 11 at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com