James Robert Tortorici Sr.

James Robert Tortorici passed away peacefully in his home early afternoon on August 6, 2016. He was born on December 29, 1947 to Velma Tortorici in Biloxi, Mississippi. As an adolescent, he loved working alongside his Uncle Jack and Rob on shrimp boats (Lone Eagle was a boat he loved) in his hometown of Biloxi, MS. He honorably served in the United States Navy from 1965 through 1986 retiring as a Chief Engineer from Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, FL. After retiring, he obtained his Merchant Marine Officer certification and worked in the Gulf of Mexico assisting oil rig platforms on tug boats then transitioned to Chicago, IL to work on the Empress II River Casino in the same field. As a proud patriot and veteran, he was a life-time member of AMVETS and enjoyed helping friends and family along with spending social time at the Florida Tackle and Gun Club. He was preceded in death by his mother Velma Tortorici. Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Arcela Tortorici; Children: James Jr. (Spouse Shannon) and Gina Richardson; Beloved sister Elaine Parker of Biloxi, Mississippi and brother Richard Terry of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Also survived by his 3 grandchildren (Miquel, Ginata, Maria) and 7 great-grandchildren. A private prayer service will be held. Mr. Tortorici will be laid to rest 10 a.m., Friday, August 19, 2016 at the Jacksonville Veterans National Cemetery with military honors. A Celebration of Life service will follow the committal service 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 19, 2016 at the Florida Tackle and Gun Club, 9010 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Psalms 119:105