Obituary of James Edward Catrett, Sr.

James Edward Catrett, Sr., was born in Elba, AL to Gussie and John Catrett January 5, 1939.  As a young boy, he moved to Largo, FL, went to Largo High School where he met his wife Mary of 63 years.  James joined the National Guard of Clearwater, FL serving for 11 years before going active duty in the US Army in 1968.  Over the course of his 32 years in the military, he worked his way up through the enlisted ranks from Drill Sergeant, Supply Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, and eventually earning the rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM).  He served a 12-month tour in the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1972 earning a Bronze Star and was a proud Vietnam Veteran.  James retired in 1988 and shortly thereafter began his second career in education as a ROTC Instructor at Zephyrhills, FL, Boca Ciega, FL and eventually retiring from Dixie Hollins High School in 2000.  James had a love of golf but most of all loved Crimson Tide Football “Roll Tide!” and his best friend his dog Penny.  James is survived by his loving wife Mary; daughter Teresa; son James, Jr. (Sharon); seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.  Visitation Thursday, May 27th 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral Services-Belleview, 352-245-2424.  Funeral mass will be Friday, May 28, 2021 10:00 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Belleview, FL  Interment with honors will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.  Sentiments may be left online at www.hiers-baxley.com.