Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
James August Corso (also known as Jimm), 75, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 6, 2020 in Firelands Regional Medical Center.
He was born a true Blue Streak and Buckeye on December 2, 1944 to August Jr. and Grace (Piazza) Corso in Sandusky.
Jim graduated from Sandusky High in 1963 where he proudly played football under Earle Bruce; attended THE Ohio State University with his friends, Bucko and Steve, graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor in Horticulture, and in 1969 with a Masters in Floriculture. He returned to Sandusky with the love of his life, wife, Judy (Lewis) Corso, to work in his family business, Cleveland Road Greenhouses. He was known as "Mr. Tomato" in Sandusky! Jim loved working in the greenhouses no matter what the heat.
While at Ohio State he was the judge and coach for the OSU Flower Judging Team. At nationals in Minnesota his good friend and team member, Bucko Barnes, came in 40th in the nation. Jim was always proud of that achievement. Back then you could walk into the Horseshoe without a ticket, but Jim was a 50-year season ticket holder, a life member of THE Ohio State Alumni Association, and board member of The Ohio Floriculture Association.
Locally, Jim was a past member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, and the Sandusky Recreation Board. He was a longtime member of the Blue Streak Booster Club, and a member of the Elks, Maritime Museum, and Merry-Go-Round Museum. Jim was currently a trustee of the Cove Park Boathouse Association and its treasured "Gatekeeper," and President of the Sandusky High School Alumni Association. He was awarded the lifetime achievement award in the SHS Hall of Fame. He served as President of the OSU Alumni Club of Erie County and is an Emeritus board member. For many years Jim led THE Best Damn Band of Erie County as their drum major.
Jim and Judy traveled all over the world together and often with their friends, parents, children, and grandchildren. One of Jim's favorite trips was to Sicily, as he was so proud of his heritage. Many of his kids and grandkids continue to wear their corno or horn for good luck and protection from the "Evil Eye."
Jim is survived by his loving family: his wife of almost 54 wonderful years, Judith (Lewis); Alaina and David Bier, and their children, Chloe and Nolan; Chris and Mai Corso, and their children, Kea, Fabi, Jett, Sevi and Cass; and Jeff and Diane Corso, and their children, Max and Zach. His extended family includes: his brother, Chuck (Teresa) Corso; nephew, Chuck (Leslee) Corso Jr., and their children and grandchildren; niece, Cindy (Dale) Schlessman, and their children and grandchildren; and an unlimited number of Corso and Piazza cousins, along with so many wonderful friends. He is also survived by grand-dogs, a cow, a goat, and hogs and chickens, that he carefully tended to every day.
He was preceded in death by his parents, August Jr. and Grace (Piazza) Corso; mother-in- law, Ann Lewis Casadei; brother-in-law, Jeffrey Lewis; infant brother, August; niece, Lisa Fantozzi; nephew, David Corso; paternal and maternal grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.
If you choose, Jim would be honored to have you support one of the following: Sandusky Education Foundation Pool Fund (as he wants all children to learn how to swim), 135 E. Washington Row, Sandusky, OH 44870; The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Erie County (for scholarships to area students), ℅ Julie Foster 3511 Cleveland Road W., Huron, OH 44839; or Back to the Wild (supporting wildlife rescue), P.O. Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824.
In lieu of a traditional funeral service, we invite you to help us honor Jim's wishes to have "one hell of a party" by stopping in at the Sandusky Yacht Club* on Friday, July 10, 2020 for a visit anytime between 2- 6 p.m. and toast a fond goodbye to our #1 lover of bobble heads, but moreover, to a really great guy! *Of course, social distancing and other SYC COVID-19 protocols will be observed.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.
