James Alston Sr.

  James Alston Sr, 78, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, departed this life on August 27, 2025, at his home.  Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he was a son of Ben Alston and Rebecca (Gamble) Alston. 

  James had been employed at Job Corps and before moving to the Springfield area, he had been a construction worker in New Jersey.  James was a servant of the Lord.  James lived a life defined by love, compassion, and generosity.  His relationship with Christ molded him into the beloved person he was, and his spirit lives on through the many people he touched and led to the Lord.  He was a member of Jubilee Family Outreach Center in West Springfield.

  Pre-deceased by his brothers, Benjamin Snipe, Paul Alston, Henry Alston, and William Alston.  Pre-deceased by his beloved wife of thirty nine years who passed from this life in (2010), Phyllis Patricia (Ford) Alston, he is survived by three sons, Dwayne Scott, James Alston Jr, and Jason L. (and Jillian) Alston;  four daughters, Rebecca T. (and Kenneth) Scott, Patricia S. Alston, Maria L. Alston, and Christina Elaine Ford;  five sisters, Rosetta Anderson, Mary Alston, Delores Goolsby, Veronica Alston, and Caroline Alston;  sixteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family and friends.

“I’ve really been looking forward to this walk in Glory. These feet that walked so far on roads of dirt and tar will now be walking on the streets of gold.”

The calling hour is 10-11 a.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025,  at Harrell Funeral Home, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m.

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