James Joseph Massa

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Gene Massa, his sister, Joyce Radcliffe, and godparents to his children, Jacob and Laureen Conger.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Virginia, of Estero, FL; daughters Jennifer Gonzalez (David) of Huntersville, NC and Jaime Musselman of Estero, FL; Drew and Brad Gonzalez, grandsons, Mia, Piper and Harper Musselman, granddaughters; Gary Musselman, Jr., father of Mia, Piper and Harper; sister Joan Colao, and special friends, Jim and Deanna Whittamore.

Jim spent his youth and most of his young adult life in Kingston, New York. He served in the US Army from 1961 to 1963. In 1973, he came to Fort Myers and objected to returning to the cold New York climate. In 1976, he met and married Virginia Cosentino, who had moved to Fort Myers from Orland Park, Illinois, also to escape the cold weather. He and Virginia had two daughters, Jennifer and Jaime. He was very involved at home and in raising his family. He loved being surrounded by ‘his girls.’

He worked in various property management positions, as well as for the State of Florida. Later on, Jim was an entrepreneur and held licenses as an automobile dealer, real estate broker, auctioneer, real estate appraiser and commercial driver/transporter. When outside the office, he enjoyed golfing and fishing with friends and family.

His guiding light throughout his adult life was his relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. His family and friends knew of his faith based on how he treated others, thinking of them greater than himself. His family credits his giving spirit to the multiple lifelong friendships he developed.

Even after his stroke in early 2019, he was able to still depend heavily on his faith and trust in Jesus to see him through the many challenges he continued to face.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, July 8th, from 5 to 7 pm, at Hodges Funeral Home at 525 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL, 34108. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, July 9th, at 10 am, also at Hodges Funeral Home, with interment immediately following.