James Oswald Goza, 80, died Thursday, February 24, 2022 at Amaro Post-Acute Care Center, Wauchula, FL. He was born on August 11, 1941 in Alabama and was a graduate of Tishomingo County High School. James obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from University of Mississippi and his Master’s Degree in Education from University of South Florida. He was an AutoTechnology Professor at South Florida Community College for over thirty years. He resided in Avon Park, FL for fifty-two years. He was an avid Field Trialer with the United Field Trialers Association and enjoyed training his dogs and spending his weekends competing on the trails.
Graveside services will be Friday, March 4, 2 p.m. at Lindsey Cemetery, Dennis, MS. Burial will be in Lindsey Cemetery. Deaton Funeral Home, Belmont, MS will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-seven years – Barbara Conerly Goza; a son – Jim Goza (Gloria) of Denver, CO; a daughter – Sophia Bonjokian of Sebring, FL; granddaughters – Mariah Prevatte (Zachary) of Bartow, FL, Maria Herring (Paul) of Denver, CO and two other grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters – Carolyn Gresham (Sydney) and MaryAnn Clement (Roger); two brothers – Danny Goza and Jimmy Dale Goza (Ann) and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, his father, James R. Goza; step-mother, Sue Goza; mother, Nellie Mae Oliver Keeton and two sisters, Cathy Clements and Rachel Goza.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice.
