Obituary of James Clifford Cantrell

James Clifford Cantrell, US Air Force and Navy Reserve soldier, Shriner, Mason, chivalrous dancer, snappy dresser, agile cocktail and unique hors d'oeuvre maker, and accomplished collector of collections, died on Thursday, January 25, 2018. Preceded in death by his first wife, Ethel Bruton-Cantrell, with whom he fathered his two Children, James David Cantrell (and wife Teresa) of Harvest, Alabama and Katherine A. Cantrell (and partner Judy) of Odessa Florida. He is survived by his beloved wife, Roberta "Bobbi" Cantrell, and her two children: daughter Sue Heselton of Tampa Florida, and son Steve Heselton. James was the consummate hospitality man. He loved hosting family and friends for pool parties, playing his blender of strawberry daiquiris on the screened back porch like a musician in a symphony. On holidays, he took time and attention preparing his stuffed dates the children fondly called "roaches" and hand-rolled rum balls for everyone to relish. James was a clown - not just in the proverbial sense (he did love a good joke and had a quick sense of wit). Further, for the sake of the Zenda Grotto, Masonic and Shrine parades, he and his wife Bobbi would dress in matching clown regalia, reveling in bringing joy to parade watchers of children and adults alike. Speaking of alike, the couple had a signature style of dressing in matching and coordinated outfits for occasions special and day to day. James was a "connector" often knowing people from many social events with his wide variety of interests and activities. From his commitment to the Shrine, Shriners Hospital Tampa, Zenda Grotto and the Masons, to golfing, competitive square dancing with Bobbie, to traveling, to the woodwork and handy man work he so adeptly worked - there was little he could not do. James took fashion cues from no one. His signature every day look was all his. He took pride in his crisply pressed dress western clothing, glitzy extra-large belt buckles fondly called "dinner plates" by his family, cowboy hats and slick pointy toed boots, with heady cologne like a cherry on top. His hugs were on purpose, and when he gathered you up in his embrace, you felt all the warmth, security and heart of a bigger-than- life man. The relationships and connections James made in his lifetime spawned friendships and a network of good times and genuine support for himself and his family. James took pride in his two grandchildren: granddaughter Ana Maria (and husband Chris Waters) with their two children - great-grands of James' - Garrett and Gabrielle, and his grandson Elias Andrew (and wife Carlene) with their two children - great-grands of James' - Sean and Samantha. Our Hero, and servant to many, has received his wings for paying it forward to so many deserving recipients. A Memorial Service will be held in honor of James on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 2:00PM at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 2201 Dr. Martin Luther King St. North, St Petersburg, FL 33704. In lieu of flowers the family encourages loved ones to plant a garden or a tree and/or donations to his favorite charities would be preferred: Masonic Home of Florida 301 1st. Street NE St Petersburg, FL 33704; Shriners Hospital Tampa, Fl.; or the Wounded Warriors Project.