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Obituary

Trezevant, 72, was key in developing TIA

The businessman and pilot, a lifelong Tampa resident, helped the airport begin its trek to what it is today.

By MEAGHAN FORBES
Published January 28, 2006

TAMPA - James Cain Trezevant Jr., who was instrumental in developing Tampa International Airport in the 1970s, died Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2006) at Tampa General Hospital. He was 72.

A lifelong resident of Tampa, Mr. Trezevant owned Hillsboro Printing Co. from 1968 to the mid 1980s and produced work for Disney, Delta Air Lines and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sons Jay and Charles Trezevant said.

At the time of his death, he owned South Tampa's Bradley Engraved Stationery on Mississippi Avenue.

A devoted businessman and pilot, Mr. Trezevant was elected chairman of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority in 1971 and served until 1976, said his eldest son, Charles Trezevant.

"He saw the airport grow from a small building to the beginning of the current modern complex with (terminals) that we see today," said Alan Cornett, Mr. Trezevant's brother-in-law.

An active member of his community, Mr. Trezevant held memberships at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club and the Tampa Yacht & Country Club. Jay Trezevant said his father was an avid golfer.

He was also a pirate with Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla until the early 1990s.

At home, the people who lived near Mr. Trezevant considered him the Pied Piper of Hawthorne Road. True to his belief and commitment of giving back to the community, Mr. Trezevant could be found leading neighborhood children on trips for ice cream, swimming outings and sporting events of the University of South Florida and the Buccaneers.

"His family and friends always came first," Charles Trezevant, 47, said.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Dolores; 12-year-old son, Robert; two adult daughters, Catherine of Washington, D.C., and Suzanne of St. Petersburg; two adult sons, Charles and Jay, both of Tampa; six grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 509 Twiggs St., followed by a service at Myrtle Hill Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to Tampa Preparatory School for students with need, in honor of Robert Trezevant. Donations can be sent to Tampa Preparatory School Endowment Fund, c/o Office of Development, 727 W Cass St., Tampa, FL 33606.

Times researcher Cathy Wos contributed to this report.

[Last modified January 28, 2006, 01:37:10]