James "Jack" Paul Russo

Russo, James P. “Jack” age 88 of Tampa passed away on Saturday, March 13, 2021. A native and life-long resident of Tampa, Mr. Russo is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Joy Russo, 3 sons: Jeffery P. (deceased), Louis S. (Angela), and David J., 3 grandsons: Dillon, Matthew, and Zachary, sister Violet Samson, sister-in-law Laura Jones, sister Josephine Rhodes (dec’d), brother Louis J. Russo (dec’d), and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. Russo is a graduate of Hillsborough High School. He joined the United States Coast Guard where he did aids to navigation at the St. Petersburg Air Station. He attended the University of Tampa where he majored in Elementary Education and Art, and was a member of Pi Kappa Pi and Theta Chi fraternities.

Mr. Russo worked 28 years at the American Can Company where he was a officer of L.U.2120, and served on several committees

Mr. Russo believed in giving back to his community. In 1963, he worked as a volunteer at West Tampa Little League for 26 years from coaching to serving as President winning a City-County Championship twice. He also served on the District 6 Little League Staff. Mr. Russo was selected West Tampa “Youth Volunteer of the Year” by the Optimist Club in 1973.

In 1964, he served as a member of Congressman Sam Gibbons Air Force Academy and Naval Academy Selection Committees for 25 years. Mr. Russo also volunteered at St. Joseph School, MacFarlane School, Tampa Bay School, and West Tampa Little League. He was president and board member at St. Joseph’s Parish and worked for the Jesuit High School Dad’s Club.

In 1980, former Sheriff Walter Heinrich hired Mr. Russo to serve in the courthouse division where he worked in the criminal and civil divisions as a court bailiff. He retired as a Sergeant of Squad 2. After 17 years of service, Mr. Russo retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 1997.

Mr. Russo enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved traveling, sports, building model planes, eating out, and being with friends. He met many good people along the way and was grateful to them for helping him succeed. He loved and was extremely proud of his family.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 2 PM at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4207 E. Lake Ave. Visitation between 1 -2. A graveside committal service at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society in care of Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, 33609.