James Emison Longshaw

MSGT USAF Ret.

James Emison Longshaw (Jim) a proud veteran of the United States Air Force passed away on Friday December 10, 2021, at Advent Hospital of Tampa. Born in Fall River, MA on August 12, 1942, the son of the late Joseph Longshaw Sr. and Emma (Lawton) Longshaw.

James valued his time in the service highly from 1961-1981 attaining the rank of MSGT. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having received multiple Commendations, Campaigns, and Oak Leaf Clusters including the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Device, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 devices. Additional Medals and Ribbons include National Defense Service Medal, USAF Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, ADF Expeditionary Medal (Thailand), Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, USAF Outstanding Unit Award-1 Oak Leaf Cluster, USAF Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, USAF Good Conduct Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and USAF Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. After his time in the service, James went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Human Resource Mgmt. at Saint Leo's College. He worked in management at Rite-Aid. He then worked for Bright House Networks as a Construction Coordinator for 15 years before retiring. Finally, he volunteered at MacDill AFB Satellite Pharmacy in Brandon, FL.

Jim was a very kind and giving individual especially around the holidays as he always donated to the welfare of the less fortunate. He could strike up a conversation and make friends wherever he went. Jim loved traveling and spent a lot of time exploring Mexico, which eventually lead him to move to Costa Rica to live there for 4 years. A simple man of simple pleasures. Jim enjoyed getting together with a few friends for Taco Tuesday and breakfast on various days of the week. He was also known to visit a local establishment for a couple of Bud Light beers. He looked forward to spending time with fellow veterans whether it be for a meal or to watch sports on Saturday and Sunday at the American Legion Post 148 of Riverview, FL or the AMVETS Post 44 of Plant City, FL where he was also a member. Jim was loved by many people and will be missed by all that knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, the late Joseph Longshaw Jr., Herbert Longshaw, Edward Longshaw, and Betsy (Longshaw) Davis. Jim was the Uncle of the late James Joseph Odell Longshaw of Champaign, IL. and the family of his late nephew a daughter Ashley Millsaps (husband Charles) and daughter Izzabella James Millsaps of Maryville, TN. He is survived by two nieces, Zoleen Velozo of Somerset, MA. Deborah (Longshaw) Secunda and her husband Darius of Phoenix, AZ. Two great nephews, Steven M. Velozo (wife Chris) of Swansea, MA and James Secunda of Phoenix, AZ

Memorable family of Kevin and Serena Galbreath of Riverview, FL.

Arrangements will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Veterans association.