James "Jim" Valenty

Valenty, James "Jim"

75, of Seminole, Florida, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Jim was born to John and Josephine Valenty on March 9, 1950, in Spangler, Pennsylvania. Along with his brother, Bob, the family moved to Florida in 1963. He was a proud graduate of Northeast High School, Class of 1968, where he was an exceptional tri-sport athlete and a "friend forever" to many. After signing a contract with the Cleveland Indians, he played a season in the minor leagues. Jim graduated from the University of South Florida.

He would continue to play the sport he loved for two more decades with the St. Pete Collegians and the St. Pete 39ers baseball teams.

It was during this time, Jim met his beautiful wife of 51 years, Celeste (Chlapowski), and together they began their family of five cherished girls, Cecily (Copley Gerdes), Angelee (predeceased 1983), Carly (Cameron MacMillan), Lesley (Matthew Duffy), and Holly (Henry Siegel).

Jim taught for 12 years at Melrose Elementary, where he was not only a beloved teacher, but also mentor to countless students - many of whom he maintained friendships with to this day. A man who lived by "family first always," Jim made the decision to leave education to help his parents, John and Josephine, run the family business.

Over five decades later, Jim could still be found laboring in love, alongside his brother Bob, at the South Pasadena staple so many locals have come to know and treasure - Pasadena Liquors and Valenty's Lounge.

Jim was a devout Catholic and member of the Cursillo community since 1979, where he served as Lay Director and Member of the Secretariat for three years. He was a faithful member of Blessed Sacrament Church, where he attended Mass daily. Jim's beliefs, rooted in his commitment to faith and deep love for his family, motivated his philanthropic calling.

He contributed to many charitable causes, those closest to his heart focused on foster children, pediatric cancer, and empowering youth in the community.

In addition to those named above, Jim is survived by seven grandchildren, Calley and Cade Gerdes, Conor and Canyon MacMillan, Lilly and Nolan Duffy, and baby boy Siegel (whose arrival Jim was eagerly anticipating later this month).

Pap Pap, Daddy, Jim, Jimmy, Jimmy V, Uncle Jimmy, Mr. Valenty - You were so incredibly loved by all, and you leave behind an immeasurable hole in this community and the hearts of your family.

Funeral Arrangements will be provided by Brett Funeral Home. A wake will be held on Wednesday, September 10, from 5-7 pm, followed by a funeral on Thursday, September 11, at 10 am. Both will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 11565 66th Ave. N., Seminole, FL 33772. Entombment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that were closest to Jim's heart, The Love McKinley Organization, Suncoast Voices for Children and St. Petersburg Catholic High School.

Guestbook at:

www.brettfuneralhome.net

Brett Funeral Home & Cremation Services

727-321-3321

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