James "440" Alston, Jr.

Mr. James  "440" Alston, Jr., 90, of Raleigh, NC departed this earthly life on Saturday October 8, 2022.  Funeral service at 11:00 AM Saturday October 15, 2022 at Oberlin Baptist Church, 806 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC preceded by a 10:30 AM visitation.  Interment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens, 1530 Creech Road, Garner, NC.

James Alston, Jr. was born to the late James Alston, Sr. and Jessie Fikes Alston on September 8, 1932. He transitioned to his heavenly home on October 8, 2022. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Louise Watson and Bernice Doggett; grandson, Kyle Coley; and son-in-law, Alvin Coley.

James, affectionately known and referred to by many as “440” given his track attributes in high school, was the husband to his high school sweetheart, Lillian Goode Alston, for 66 years. From their union, they reared three daughters and their family grew in size over the years with six grandchildren and one great- grandchild.

His early Christian training commenced at the former Fayetteville Street Baptist Church, now known as First Cosmopolitan Baptist. He carried Biblical teachings with him throughout life as he led by example and modeled the importance of having God serve at the center of his life. He always communicated the importance of attending church so much as, his Sunday conversations with family were first met with the question, “Did you attend church today?” Following his marriage in 1956 to Lillian, he joined Oberlin Baptist Church and served as a proud member. He, with pride, prayed fervently with passion and purpose and was often called upon to lead in prayer. James was a devoted member for over sixty years serving in many capacities, to include, but not limited to; church deacon, trustee and chairman to both trustee and deacon boards. He loved attending church services.
James was a product of Wake County Public Schools System, Washington High School, class of 1951. Fond memories were often shared regarding his serving as drum major and best dressed male. Following high school, he attended North Carolina Central University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University. He further served the armed forces where he received an honorable discharge. On August 30, 1994, he received commendations for exemplary service for 33 years to the United States Government Services Postal System. He was a devoted employee and developed relationships with many of his colleagues that have been long standing.

James was in his element while watching sports and was known to talk to the television, inserting his thoughts about plays made by athletes. He also enjoyed partaking in fishing trips and returning home to proudly show off the fish caught. James would often encourage family and friends to visit his vegetable garden. It was rewarding for him to reap the harvest and share with loved ones.

The smile that James displayed was infectious and the way he treated people was a standard for others to follow. Some moments that will forever be remembered by his family include the reference to breakfast being the most important meal of the day, washing hands before eating or even entering the kitchen, the specialties of making his favorite sand- wich to his expectations, and many more. James loved his family and prioritized spending time with them.

James leaves a legacy of beautiful memories to cherish in the hearts of his beloved wife, Lillian Alston, daughters, Helen Coley (Alvin), Priscilla Morrison (Michael), and Jamesee Alston, six grand-children, Ebony (Kennie), Ashley, Jessica, Justin, and Mikey, one great grand- child, Diamond, brother, William Bill Alston (Sedra) and a host of many nieces, nephews and friends. To know James was to simple love him!
 

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