James Patrick Shay

James was born on October 25, 1960 to Eugene and Helen Shay in Dayton, OH.

After moving to Florida, he started working at Publix in Temple Terrace where he worked for many years.

In his younger years, James was an avid bowler and while he never reached a perfect game, he did score a 299 once!

James was an avid Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and season ticket holder and could be regularly seen in the stadium holding up a sign in his signature jersey and face paint.

James was predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Helen Shay and brother-in-law Jesse Smith. He is survived by many who loved him including siblings Michael Shay (Connie Valdes), Christi Shay, Nancy (Ronald) Smith, Patricia Smith and Mary (Baird) Cook. He was proud uncle to Charity, Katie, Tim, Lydia, Billy, Mary, Cynthia, Anthony, Patrick, Jesse II, Richard, Jonathan, Lillian, Becca, Cory and Drew.

Visitation will be held at Blount & Curry Funeral Home @ Garden of Memories Tampa, 4207 E Lake Avenue on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church (9715 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617) on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or American Diabetes Association.