James "Ray" Alston Sr

James “Ray” Alston Sr. entered into this world on September 15, 1950 and passed away peacefully in his home on March 6, 2026, following a lengthy illness. He was born to the late Lawyer Taylor and Annie Mae Taylor in Choctaw, Alabama. 

After leaving Alabama, James moved to Ohio for some time. He then later moved to New York, where he drove buses and trucks for many years. In 1993 he moved back to Ohio with his wife and children.

James enjoyed fishing, basketball, entertaining, and having a good time. He loved to cook and always stated nobody could ever cook like him! He always loved to take road trips and just recently got into flying. He will be missed, and his memories will never be forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his mother Annie Mae Taylor, his father Lawyer Taylor, 9 brothers and 9 sisters.

James is survived by his wife Virginia Alston of 32 years, his children James Ray Alston Jr., Latonya (Edward) Hannibal, Kimberly (Jerome) James, Denice James and Keisha James, his brother Odimiah Alston and sister Mary Ann Evans, 21 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 AM until the time of service at 12 PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home and Celebration Center, 6075 Middle Ridge Rd., Lorain, OH 44053. Pastor Emeritus Jeffery Capers will officiate, and Minister Gloria Jenkins will give the eulogy. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.