James Walter Castano, USAF (Ret), 93, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2019. James was a Tampa native. He had a paper route that covered West Tampa. James attended Jefferson High School and while attending he worked as a bell hop at the Floridan Hotel. James left high school to enlist in the U.S. Navy and served in WWII and continued his service in the Navy for another 12 years. He earned the honor as All Navy Boxing and Basketball. He was able to box Joe Louis in an exhibition match. He later, transitioned into the USAF and retired as a SMSgt after serving in Vietnam. He was awarded the Air Metal in WWII and Bronze Star Vietnam. Following his service in the military, James was able to finish his education by receiving a GED and a bachelor’s from the University of Tampa
James is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Castano; son, Mark; sisters, Lillian, Patricia, Catherine and Margaret; brothers, Joseph and William.
He is survived by children; Margaret (David) Miller, James (Paula) Castano; Mary (Jeff) Recker; sister, Evelyn Rodriguez; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31st from 9am to 10am at Christ the King, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa FL 33609 with a funeral service to begin at 10am. Interment will take place at 1:30pm at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park.
