James Elliott, 74 of St. Petersburg, passed away on April 1, 2019 from a heart attack at Largo Medical
Center. He was surrounded by loving family as angels carried him into Heaven.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents (Ray and Marie), His brother (Jay), and his sisters (Catherine and
Francis).
He was born to Ray and Ena Marie Elliott on March 9, 1945 in Johnson City, Tennessee. At the age of 5 "Jim's"
family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. Although he lived in Florida until his death; His heart always loved
Tennessee and visited as often as he could and always stayed in touch by phone. He was well known throughout
the community as the warm, friendly, gentle, giant. Jim always had a new joke that left everyone with a laugh
and a smile.
Jim held many jobs throughout his life time but he was most proud to serve in the Army National Guard during
the Viet Nam era. He loved owning his own bicycle shop and contracting and building screen enclosures with his
brother/best friend Ken. Jim said his most satisfying job was as an EMT. He loved rendering first aid and
assisting with saving lives. Unfortunately he was injured while trying to help save another person resulting in a
permanent disability. After he was 'retired' as an EMT, Jim could be found ' putts-ing' in his workshop. Jim
found joy when working with wood. He crafted beautiful wooden wishing wells and other lawn ornaments that
he gave to family and friends. Jim also loved his dogs from Pansy the Doberman who won many trophies at
'show' to Cookie and Cheyenne the lap loving Rottweilers. Jim never met a dog he didn't like.
He met the love of his life, Sonja and they married on Sept 1, 1991. They had a beautiful wedding that was
held in Butler, Tennessee. Jim's uncle RD Campbell officiated at the wedding ceremony. Jim took his vows very
seriously. According to Sonja, his wife, Jim never failed to love, care or protect her ever. According to Sonja,
Jim was the best husband and kindest man in the whole world!
A proud and loving father to his only child, April who wanted to be sure that his obituary contain the words:
Beloved Dad. A favorite memory of Jim and April is: April and her husband Dave went to visit Jim. April was
pregnant at that time with Anthony. They went into the house and April went through to the dining room and
saw a rat. She screamed and as she turned to move in the opposite direction she heard her dad laughing and
laughing. Then her dad said: a 6 foot 2 inch man weighing 180 pounds, who is a cop that carries a gun on his hip,
was already standing on a chair. Of course Jim delighted in the retelling of this story many times.
A fun and loving grandfather called either PaPa or Grandpa Jim by his adoring grandchildren and great
grandchildren.
He is survived by his: wife-Sonja, daughter- April and her husband Dave Beeler, Son in law and daughter in law-
Scot and Maria Fudge, brother- Ken and his wife Carol, brother- Glenn Elliott, sister- Phyllis Eden, grand and
great grandchildren- Anthony Beeler and his wife Olivia and their daughter Adeline Rose, Sarah Beeler and
Bryan Beeler, Kristina Fudge, Alecia LoBianco (Fudge) and her husband Sean LoBianco and their daughters
Ariana and Milania. Jim is also survived by many cousins, nephews and nieces.