Chester Earl James, age 82, of Zion, AL passed away August 21, 2024 at his residence.  Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, August 24, 2024 at New Salem Baptist Church in Reform with Bro. Mike Hall and Bro. Ryan James officiating.  Burial will be in Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Walter James and three sisters, Evie Lee Hocutt, Ramona Swindle and Fannie Mae Duncan.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Wencie Smith James of Zion; sons, Marcus James (Stephanie) and Shane James (Mia), both of Zion; brother, Thomas James of Northport; seven grandchildren, Ryan James, Holly Hall, Nathan James, Darrin Stephens, Autumn Adams, Lindsey Bradshaw and Amanda McKinney and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Chester was born September 2, 1941 in Pickens County, Alabama to the late Carlos James and Florence Porter James.  He was a member of New Salem Baptist Church and a retired chicken farmer.
Pallbearers will be Darrin Stephens, Larry McKinney, Nathan James, Heath McAdams, Caleb Hall and Robby McAdams.
Honorary Pallbearers are Charles and Rachel Maxwell, Lloyd and Janet Bradley, Cherokee and Debbie Brasher, Ralph Wilson, Marcie Lowe and Enhabit Hospice nurses and staff.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children's Hospital Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-6584.