Funeral Services Set for James D. Randall Jr.

Funeral services for James David Randall Jr., a legendary past principal of Brandon High School, a former president of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, and the namesake of the middle school in FishHawk, are scheduled for July 17 at Southside Baptist Church in Brandon.

Randall, 82, a Korean War veteran, died July 13 at home, according to his online obituary at Southern Funeral Care. The Valrico resident, born Feb. 5, 1930 in Alabama, moved to Hillsborough County in 1955, where he started his long and illustrious career with the Hillsborough County School District as a teacher at what was then known as the Pinecrest School.

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He later taught and served as dean of boys at Plant City High School. In 1959 he served as assistant principal at Brandon High School and in 1964 became the principal. In 1968, he was transferred to the district school offices, where he served as general director of Area I, II, and III Schools. Later, he served as general director of operations, assistant superintendent of administration and operations and deputy superintendent.

He retired from the school district in 1991. The school that bears his name opened on FishHawk Boulevard in Lithia for the 2000-01 school year. The Brandon  High School Alumni Association awarded him "Hall of Fame" status.

Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1952, Randall is a Korean War veteran and served in Germany in the Army of Occupation. After active duty, he remained in the U.S. Army Reserve for 38 years, retiring as a Brigadier General.

In high school in Alabama, Randall was president of his senior class and an Eagle Scout, and he lettered i football, basketball and baseball. He went on to graduate from Auburn University in 1952, and in 1955, with a master's degree.

Randall is a Life Member of Florida Congress of Parents and Teachers and the Reserve Officers' Association. He is a former member of the Brandon Lion's Club, Hillsborough County Senior High School Principal's Council, National Education Association, Florida Education Association, Hillsborough County Educational Association, Auburn Alumni Association, Tampa Bay Auburn Club, Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce and the Association of the U.S. Army.

Randall is survived by his wife, Mary A. Randall, Valrico; sons, James, III, Sydney, Joseph (Cheryl), Irmo, S.C., and Mark, Riverview; sister, Mary Jo Randall, Opelika, Ala. and three granddaughters, Allyson, Debra and Savannah Jo, all of Irmo.

Funeral services are set for July 17 at 2 p.m., at Southside Baptist Church, 415 West Lumsden Road in Brandon. Family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the James D. Randall, Jr. Middle School, via the Hillsborough County Education Foundation, 2010 West Hillsborough Avenue, Suite 212, Tampa, FL 33610.