James Carl Colross' Obituary
COLROSS
James C. Colross, long time resident of Coral Gables passed away peacefully on December 3, 2010 surrounded by his wife, Grace, and daughters. He was born on January 9, 1935 in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and worked in the Pentagon for many years.
Jim began his career in South Florida as a builder/developer in 1964 when he built his first apartment house on Flagler Street. Over the years, he built speculative homes throughout Coral Gables. Eventually, he built various office buildings located on Sunset Drive (S.W. 72 St.) and became one of the first commercial builders in the area. His last commercial project, The Forum on Sunset, was built on a completely speculative basis, with no executed leases. This was completely unheard of at the time.
Jim believed in giving back to the community. He gave his time, energy and strength to many charitable organizations, such as the Marian Center in Miami Gardens and St. Mary’s Cathedral School in Miami. His strong Roman Catholic devotion led him to become a Knight of Malta, a Patron of the Arts of the Vatican Museum and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, Italy.
Jim enjoyed traveling, fishing and playing golf. His travels brought him and his wife, Grace, throughout Europe and Asia. He also loved spending time at his vacation home in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Jim was active in various social organizations. He was a two- time president of the Beach Colony Club, past president of The Surf Club, a member of Coral Reef Yacht Club, The Surf Club Debutant Committee, and Indian Creek Country Club.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Grace E. Colross, and their four daughters, Jacqueline (Steven Ramsey), Caroline (Brady Nepple), Elizabeth (Steven Harper) and Victoria (Bert Hucks), and their ten grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Edward, and his niece, Rita.
A viewing will be held Monday, December 6, 2010, from 5 – 7 pm, at Van Orsdel Funeral Chapel, located at 4600 S.W. 8th Street in Coral Gables, and a Mass will be held Tuesday, December 7, at 10 am, at Church of the Little Flower, located at 2711 Indian Mound Trail, also in Coral Gables.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Marian Center or St. Mary’s Cathedral School.
VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES
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