Obituary
Obituary of James S. Ross
James Stuart Ross, 80, of Citra, Florida passed away on Sunday May 29th after a long illness, of Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Ross was born in New York City and grew up in Miami, Florida where he graduated from Miami Edison High School and the University of Miami School of Engineering. He also served in the U. S. Army Reserve. He was a Registered Professional Engineer in five states and a Registered Land Surveyor in Georgia with his own firm, J. S. Ross & Associates, Inc. He was a member of the Georgia Society of Professional Engineers, the Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia and the Florida Engineering Society. An avid flyer, he held an Air Transport Pilot License and a Certificated Airplane Multi-Engine Instrument Instructor’s License. The National Aviation Association and the Federation Aeronautique Internationale awarded him a world speed record from Atlanta, Georgia to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. He was a member of the AOPA, EAA and the Florida Aero Club.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jules and Helen Ross, brothers Paul Ross and Wayne Ross, all of St. Petersburg, Florida, and his beloved black and tan hound dog ‘Cessna’ who greeted everyone with a full body wag. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda (Herron), a daughter, Catherine Ross of Avondale, Arizona, a son, Donald Ross of Dallas, Georgia, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 11th at 1 pm at Citra First Methodist Church where he was a member for many years and often played the harmonica for services. The address is 2000 N. E. 180th St, Citra, Florida.
As I recall Jim's first car was a 1935 Ford. Subsequent purchases included a 1951 Mercury, a 1953 Ford and a (new) 1957 Ford Hardtop--all eventually sporting "souped up" engines. As could be expected the age gap between us eventually led to an amical parting of the ways. After graduating from Miami-Edison High School Jim: (1) earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Miami, (2) worked as a Florida and Georgia Highway Department surveyor, and less than a decade later, (3) formed his own civil engineering company, J.S. Ross & Associates. Jim's enduring aeronautical interests led to his certification as an FAA-Certificated Instrument and Multi-engine Flight Instructor, and single- and multi-engine airplane ownership. As impressive as Jim's professional and aeronautical achievements were, one wonders how many would have been possible were it not for the loving patience and support of his dear wife Linda. May they rest in peace.
Engineer Jlm had my enduring respect for his professionalism. Linda was a dedicated caregiver, always there when Jim needed her.
Lucy and I will miss him.
RIP Jim.
Tom and Lucy Todd