James Ashley Slade, Sr.

James Ashley Slade Sr. 72, transitioned from this life peacefully on January 4, 2022, at his home in Suffolk VA. He was born to the late Jeff and Cora Mae Slade on December 27, 1949 in Williamston, NC. He attended Martin County Schools until he joined the Army at the age of 18 where he served until he was honorably discharged. He then dedicated over 40 years of his life to truck driving. He drove for many companies: Barnes Truck Line, M.S. Carries and Warner Trucking Company, but then he retired with Risienger's Brothers Trucking. James was preceded in death by his mother and father Cora Mae (Johnson) Slade and Jeff Slade. James Lovingly joined hands in marriage on March 13, 1970 with his first wife Mary Angela Slade, who preceded him in death (December 18, 1995). They shared seven children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Eldest James Ashley Slade Jr. (Michelle) and his son Jaquan of Windsor NC. Ricky E. Slade of Oklahoma, Kelvin L Slade (Quonchita) and his three children Kelvin Jr., Keldrick, and Ty'Kera (and great grand Jaiquay) of Maryland, Kesula S. Higgs and her five children Angela, Ashley, Ke'Andrea, Jenaya, and Ashton of Roper, NC., Carlton Slade (Nadia) and his two children Nashyra (great grands Josiah, and Jhalani) and Ny'Asia of Williamston NC, Cythina Slade and her three children Jai'Yon, Mary'Yanna, and Jamiee'Yanna of Roper NC., Derrick L. Slade who preceded his father in death. James was blessed with a second wife Evelyn Parker Slade who also preceded him in death (April 9, 2020). They lovingly Joined hands in marriage on June 7, 2008 and shared three children, grandchildren and a great grandchild. Eldest Michelle Bryant and her son Chris of Suffolk VA. Carlisa Ellis and her three children Crystal, Eric, and Clifton of Suffolk VA, Samuel Parker (Elisabeth) of Suffolk VA. James also preceded in death two sisters Sheila Andrews, and Ruby Slade, two brothers Robert Lee Slade, and David Slade (Beatricea) of Williamston NC. James is also survived by two sisters Cora Elizabeth Slade (Jessie) of Everett’s, NC, Donna Pettaway (Ralph) of Bethel, NC, Four brothers; Lee Earnest Slade SR. (Edna) of Greenville, NC, Edward Slade (Barbara), Randolph Slade, and Clarence Slade of Williamston, NC. James also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, friends, and in-laws near and far and a special son-law Chris for making sure that he got to and from dialysis who will miss and cherish him forever more. A public viewing will be held 12 noon - 3pm, Monday, January 17, 2022 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel. Mr. Slade will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Ashley Slade, Sr., please visit our flower store.