JAMES �JIM� LAWRENCE ROSS, JR., 58, of St. Petersburg, passed away suddenly at home on Thursday, May 21, 2015. He was born on January 17, 1958 in Ft. Thomas, KY, and worked for General Electric Company for 38 years as Head Training Instructor and Generator Repair Specialist. He was a member of the Newport Masonic Lodge #358. Jim was a graduate of the class of 1977 Newport High School, Newport, KY where he was a standout athlete in football and track and went on to play semi-pro football. Survivors include his wife of 25 happily married years, Melanie; two sons, James �JR� Ross III and his wife Sarah, Ludlow, KY, Jared Samon, St. Petersburg, FL, a daughter, Nicole �Niki� Ross, Florence, KY, a brother, Michael Ross Covington, KY, a sister, Donna Ross Miller and her husband Terry, Dayton, KY, grandchildren Lizzie, Logan, Jordan, Blake and Jared Michael, as well as several nieces and a nephew. He is preceded in death by his mother Doris Bennison Ross, his father James "Larry" Ross, and sister Linda Ross Scales. Viewing Saturday, May 30, 2015 at 11:00 am and Services at 1:00 pm. R Lee Williams & Son Funeral Home, St. Petersburg, FL.