J.T. Ross was born September 5, 1924 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was the twelfth of fourteen children, born to Nettie and Harry Ross. When his father burnt to death in a railroad accident, J.T. at age 15 hopped in a box car on a dangerous trek cross country to California. During his travels he endured many privations but also enjoyed the kindness of strangers. At age 17 he joined the navy just months prior to the Pearl Harbor bombing raid. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Saratoga aircraft carrier, which was twice torpedoed, and participated in the Battle of Midway and other major Pacific theater battles.

After World War II, J.T. Ross entered into one of the toughest careers possible, professional boxing. "IRISH J.T. ROSS" aka "THE SLENDER SLASHER" boxed out of San Jose, Caifornia and became the fourth ranked middleweight in the world. With a 65% knockout percentage and a 41 win, 5 loss, and 2 draw total record, his stats compared to the likes of boxing greats such as Muhammed Ali. He was also the tallest middleweight in the world, standing at 6' 2" and 150 lbs. This incredible career was accomplished in just 3 short years, 1947-1950.

In 1945, J.T. was married to Nancy Ross, and they were together for 65 years until her death in 2009. His daughter Rebecca and her son Daniel, preceded him in death. J.T.'s son Richard and his wife Loryn live in San Juan Bautista, CA.

Services will be held at San Juan Bautista District Cemetery on June 21 ^st , 2019 at 11AM.