James Rusell Booth, a beloved Dad, Brother, Uncle, Husband and Grandpa passed away peacefully at 91 on August 24th, 2023.
James was known for his integrity, hard work kindness, and dedication to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born on August 18th, 1932 in Clarksburg, West Virginia to the late Marshal H Booth and Hattie Iretta Cottrill.
James had an incredible work ethic that started from a young age. He would often share that it all began while working for his Uncle “Basil’s” (Basil Bright) Garbage Route whom he often credited for helping him find his relationship to Christ. James through the years worked in a machine shop factory, collision repair technician, Building Maintenance supervisor and also a Deli Meat Cutter in Northern Virginia.
The final stage of his working career began while he was in Northern Virginia when he was first hired as a State Farm Field Auto Estimator. He was promoted and asked to move to the Miami, Florida Area as a Supervisor to help increase the Quality of the Auto Claims Repair and Reinspection Program. He was successful in his role through great challenges professionally and personally; including the complete damage to their Home by Hurricane Andrew in Homestead. He was proud about his industry certifications as a leader in the ICar certification Auto body repair program. He was always grateful for his approximately 25 years of service with the company.
A dedicated father, stepfather and “Grandpa,” James always supported and encouraged his children and grandchildren. James loved his family and spending time in the great outdoors. He often shared many fond memories of picnicking, boating and fishing with his Daughters, Siblings and family in Virginia Beach and West Virginia. His time in South Florida brought more time boating, fishing and snorkeling in the Florida Keys with his wife Jean and Bonus Son and Daughter and many visiting friends and family members.
He always wanted his coffee Fresh and Hot and would always make sure to get it that way. He and his wife built a beautiful home on 5 acres in French Creek, WV aptly named Heavenly Acres where they had incredible memories with Friends and Family and were they were active members of Christian Fellowship Church. James was also an ordained Baptist Preacher and on occasion had the opportunity to preach the word of God he so loved. Through the years, he enjoyed spending time with his longtime friend Pastor Bobby Louther, hunting, fishing and discussing scripture.
James served as an Elder in churches both in Florida City and in West Virginia. He volunteered through his church to help his congregation and the communities they served. He often taught Sunday School and always loved learning more about the Bible in order to understand the will of God in his Life.
James is survived by his loving wife Jean Booth; daughters Beverly Tapia and Jeanie Downey and Bonus Children Marino Rodriguez (Kathy) and Maria Rodriguez. Grandchildren, Amy Tapia Davis (Alex Smith-Lecce) and Annie Tapia Nelson (Jason Leconte Nelson), Joey Shortt and Carrie Shortt, Sophia Rodriguez , Riley Rodriguez, Dante Lorenzo, and Weston Scott and Parker Scott. His Great Grandchildren, Jazmyn Ortiz, Summer Smith-Lecce, Joey Shortt Jr, Jesse Shortt, Emily Nelson, J.J. Nelson and Jason Nelson Jr. And his Great Great Grandchildren Weston Shortt and Harper Seville.
He was predeceased by his parents Marshal and Hattie, and his Sisters Barb, Maxine and Brother Marshall (Junior) and Son in Law Enio Tapia.
A celebration of James life will be held at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel at 17250 W. Dixie Highway North Miami Beach, FL 33162 on Friday September 8th, 2023, at 2:30 PM. According to his desired wishes he will interred at the Union Mission Cemetery, Despard, Clarksburg, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association by clicking here.
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