James Evans Strout

STROUT, James Evans, 57, of Tampa, passed away April 28, 2009, at his home. Jim was born June 18, 1951, in Springfield, Vt., son of Norman George Strout and Margery Alice Bailey Strout. He graduated from Springfield High School, Springfield, Vt., and Hillsborough Community College, Dale Mabry campus, Tampa. He recently worked as an optician and was a member of the American Board of Opticianry. Besides his hometown of Springfield, Vt., and his current home in Tampa, he also resided in Colchester, Vt., for several years.He is survived by his life partner of 33 years, Paul L. Bessette; his sister, Nancy Jean Strout Moyer and her husband, Michael P. Moyer; and their daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Mary Beth) Moyer of Lewiston, Maine. His extended family included Paul' s mother, Yvonne Bessette of Colchester, Vt.; Arthur and Lorraine Lane of Brooksville, Fla.; their daughter, Elizabeth (Liz) King and her husband, Alan, and their son, Brady Raymond, of Land o Lakes, Fla.; and James and Carol Bessette of Williston, Vt. He is also survived by his special friend, Albert Austin of Dana Beach, Fla., and his friends and co-workers from Costco. Jim possessed a special talent for baking. His baked goods were requested frequently with great anticipation. He was also passionate about cats, including his current feline friends, Boo and Baxter. A memorial gathering will take place between 5 and 9 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at the clubhouse at Lake Carlton Arms. The family is suggesting that memorial donations may be made to The Big Cat Rescue, 12802 Easy St., Tampa, FL 33625, (813) 920-4130, www.bigcat rescue.org or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, 1-800-342-2383 www.diabetes.org. Blount Curry Carrollwood Chapel (813) 968-2231