"…Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5

James stood strong and fought his battle against Cancer while waiting patiently for God to dispatch His angels to bring him to his eternal resting place on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at the Williamsburg Hospice Center located in Williamsburg, VA.

James N. Alston was born on September 6, 1946, to the late Willis and Rosa Alston in Pleasant Hill, North Carolina.  James was the fourth of 13 children.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, the late Walter and Virgie Alston; 2 brothers, Edward Lee Alston, Donnie Alston; 3 sisters, Peggy Gillus, Jeanette Witcher, and Lola Robinson.

James grew up in Pleasant Hill, NC and graduated with the Class of 1967 from Gumberry High School located in Gumberry, North Carolina.  James started his Christian journey at Faithful Band Church in North Carolina.  Once he transition to Virginia he continue to serve in many capacities within ministries such as an usher, male chorus, transportation and wherever he could serve for several years.

As a young child he worked in the fields with his father and siblings picking cotton amongst other things.  This was just the beginning of his journey as a dedicated solider on the battlefield for the family he was to begin.

On June 28, 1969, he entered Holy Matrimony with Marjorie Collins, to that reunion they begot 2 daughters and 2 sons.  James was employed by Horne Brothers doing ship repair until their closure.  He retired from General Dynamics (Earl Industries) after 27 years of hard work and service.

James never met a stranger.  He always managed to carry a bag of jokes, a bottle of laughter, words to inspire, a smile to light up a room, and of course his selection of nicknames for many.  He was an avid Redskin's fan, he really enjoyed just riding out, socializing with people, and his family was everything to him.

He leaves to cherish his memories, wife, Marjorie A. Alston; four children, Michele Alston, Pam Lucas (Tim), James Alston (Ella) and Jimmy Alston (Schandell); seven siblings, Willis Alston (Harriett),  Gloria Scott, Shirley Robinson, Judy Mason, Clinton Alston (Jane) , Brenda Browne (Richard) and Cephus Alston; 11 grandchildren, Jamar, Kadeza, Keaira, Diante', Jymil, Jymyra, Elissa,  Xaria, Gabriel, Donnavan and Angelica; 8 great grandchildren;  1 aunt, Mary Haynes; a best friend since 3 ^rd grade, Joseph Manning; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A public viewing will be held Friday, June 25 ^th at O H Smith & Son from 3pm to 6pm.  A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 26, 2021 at The Peninsula Pentecostals at 404 Sharon Drive, Newport News, VA 23602.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.