James Frederick Agnew

Jim was born September 25th, 1940 in Albany, N.Y. one of four children.

He was an extremely bright and adventurous child, which made him a challenge.

Jim married Gail 49 years ago in Miami, FL.

Jim studied marine engineering at Fort Schuyler Merchant Marine Academy. In his early adult years, he was involved with sports car racing, and was the SCCA flag marshal for NY region. Jim was always up for a new challenge, and was a great innovator. He always became the expert in all of his hobbies.

He joined IBM in 1963 and spent the next 30 years rising through many technical, marketing, and management positions. He retired in 1993 to become a consultant. Two years later he left the working world to pursue his dreams to travel the world, and research, build, and fly his own airplane.

In the 70’s he took up sailing. He sailed his Morgan OI 33 for over 10 years. He later transitioned to a power boat. Jim travelled extensively. He visited over 200 islands and countries, visiting all continents except Antarctica. He loved cruising for the adventure, seeing new places, and meeting new people. Jim was always a people person, and enjoyed his many friends. His last two cruises were in 2017; one to Dubai, Oman, Jordan, Israel, Greece and Venice, and the other to Cuba.

Jim has volunteered for many organizations which dealt with education, the arts, and aviation. After acquiring his pilot’s license, he flew many different planes for several years. Finally, after retiring, he was able to build and fly his 4 passenger Velocity for several years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dr. Marie Agnew; and his brother Bud Agnew.

He is survived by his wife Gail; his daughter, Lynn; his sister Barbara Miers (Bruce); three granddaughters (Shannon Wilson (Daniel), Lydia Scranton (Michael), and Katherine Venzor (Kevin); four great grandchildren (Danny and Nataya Wilson, Aaron and Ethan Scranton; 4 nieces (Tracy Howard, Beth Vertino, Debra Rosenbluth Robinson, Kelly Savage); 3 nephews (Brett and Jay Swerbilow, Jeff Miers); and a God daughter, Christy Pelphrey.

Jim was known for his kind, generous, dedicated, and loving nature. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Clinical research, patient care and caregiver support at the USF Health Byrd Center, Fund# 250148. Please make checks payable to the USF Foundation, Inc. and mail to 4202 East Fowler Ave., ALC 100, Tampa, FL 33612, Attn: Frank Koulianos or ACE(Aerospace Center for Excellence) Education Endowment Fund

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, please check back for more information.