Longtime Educator Dies

James Calvin Goss transcended this life on Fri., March 28 with his wife, Sylvia E. Arnett-Goss, by his side.

Born in Orlando, Goss became widely known for the formidable shooting prowess of his left hand. He earned All State distinction in basketball for his 1950 – 52 seasons at Jones High School in Orlando. And the recognition continued through college, where Goss received an athletic scholarship to Kentucky State University.

Following college graduation, Goss played basketball for the U.S. Army Third Division in Europe, where the team achieved a 53-9 record. Once out of the Army he began a career in education. He taught at Pinellas High School and Clearwater High School, 16th Street Middle School, Gibbs Junior College, which merged into St. Petersburg Junior College.

Goss would ultimately be awarded a doctorate degree, which served him well in the capacity of vice president of Administration at St. Petersburg College where he retired after many years of dedicated and commendable service.

His church affiliation was with Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Clearwater where he served on the Pastor Relations Committee for many years.

His social involvements extended to the Pinellas County Florida Retirees Club and his beloved Greek fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.

A consummate family man, Goss is survived by his loving wife Sylvia, three adult sons Johnny L. Arnett, Jr., Alonzo R. Arnett (LaDonna) and Anthony D. Arnett.  He also acquired a Kentucky based host of adoring grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their spouses and children.

He leaves to mourn his passing a host of friends, relatives, neighbors and colleagues, as well as extended family, principally in Florida and Kentucky.

The memorial will take place at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 825 Howard St., Clearwater, this Fri., April 4 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral is in St. Petersburg the next day, Sat., April 5, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 2800 26th Ave. S., at 11 a.m.