James Trusock, 97, passed away Tuesday November 20, 2018 after a brief illness. Jim was born in Ionia, Michigan on April 25, 1921 to Mary Gorsi and Andrew Trusock. After completing school at St. Peter and Paul Academy, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in 1939 serving for the duration of World War II until 1945. After a brief tour on the battleship Arkansas, he transferred to the newly commissioned destroyer the USS Ludlow DD 438 as a gunner's mate. The Ludlow was one of the most active destroyers in the US Navy and Jim was a part of all of it. The Ludlow engaged in sea battles with enemy ships and supported invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio as well as Southern France. During Jim’s service, the Ludlow was credited with sinking three enemy submarines, shooting down eight enemy aircraft and received many commendations for meritorious service and valor. The "Lucky Lud" also received six battle stars for her World War II service.
In August, 1951 he married Eleanor Bischoff and they had three children (Lynn, Dale and Jimmy). They lived in Peekskill, New York where he had his Barber business complete with an old fashioned red and white barber pole outside which is still there today. Jim loved spending time with family, boating on the Hudson River and vacations in Ogunquit Maine. He enjoyed playing golf, racing go carts with his son and dabbling in N scale train layouts. Jim spent over 2000 hours building a 3x10 N scale train layout with 2 train yards, 6 engines and more than 40 cars running over 80 feet of track on multiple levels and, when completed, he donated it to a boy’s home in San Antonio. Later in life Jim focused on recreational boating on his Egg Harbor, spending time with Eleanor on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. Jim’s nickname was Cap’t Jim and their boat was called “Hey El” because the captain was always yelling for the first mate. He also served as Commodore of the Peekskill Yacht Club for five years. In 1986 Jim and Eleanor retired to Orlando, Florida to and later moved to Round Rock, Texas in 2002.
After Eleanor passed away in 2012, Jim found a new passion in life – Karaoke – and became involved in singing at the Senior Center and local pubs in Texas. He learned to use a PC at age 90 as well as a cell phone and Facebook. He loved exchanging emails with friends and family. He was also an avid pinochle player earning a first-place ribbon at the Round Rock Senior Center.
Jim moved to Summerfield, Florida in 2016 with his daughter and husband where he joined the largest American Legion Club in the U.S. He practiced Karaoke several hours each day and became known as ’Karaoke Jim’. He was passionate about watching the Dallas Cowboys and NASCAR Racing. He was loved by everyone who met him and often said his secret to a long life was laughing and having a Manhattan every day at 4 PM.
Jim is survived by his children Lynn Lepore-Calderaro (Mike), James Trusock Jr (Lucy), grandchildren (Evan, Paige, Andrew) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his wife (Eleanor), his daughter (Dale), his parents (Mary, Andrew) and siblings (George, Anne, Millie, Mary Helen, Dorothy).
The family would like to thank Right at Home Senior Care and Harbor Chase Assisted Living. Most recently, The Brandley Hospice House nurses worked with incredible compassion to keep Jim comfortable as his health declined and we can’t thank them enough. A private service will be held for family in Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made ‘In Memory of Jim Trusock’ to The Ted and Diane Brandley Hospice House, 17395 SE 109th Terrace Rd, Summerfield, FL 34491.
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