Alfred Byron James' Obituary
Alfred BYRON James was born on March 12, 1949 to his loving parents, Joseph and Rita James.
Byron was baptized as a baby at Faith Catholic Church in Oakland, California. Byron was an Altar Boy at St. Louis Bertrand. He joined the Junior Knights in the 3rd grade. He went to Lockwood Elementary School in Oakland before St. Louis Bertrand was built. He was there when they started construction on the church. At age 15, Byron had thoughts of becoming a priest. After graduating from St. Louis Bertrand, he attended Bishop O’dowd where he joined the track team and became team captain and he had league championships in many events he placed in the High Jumps which was 6’8 as his lifetime best. After graduating High School, he attended Laney College where he continue running track and where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha.
Byron started working at General Motors when he was 19 years old. He loved all types of cars, the Chevelle SS was his favorite. He liked to leave work on Fridays to go to Los Angeles and party. His love for cars became more than just a hobby, it was a life long pursuit. From restoring and supping up vintage American muscle cars to attending swap meats and car shows which lead him to purchase 3 brand new corvettes, 3 new porches all off the showroom floor, and a 1969 Chevelle Super Sport straight off the assembly line, which was his pride and joy. Byron later went on to pursue one of his childhood dreams of becoming an Oakland police officer. He lived his life in the drivers seat, navigating through the years with grace, humor, and a true love of life. Byron loved great music. A few of his favorites were The Temptations, The Elements and Earth Wind and Fire just to name a few. Byron was an avid reader and knew something about everything!
In 1974, Byron met the love of his life, Hazel. Together they had three wonderful children which they love dearly, Nicole, Anthony and DeAna James. Byron, loved his family dearly, which his special pal was his only grandson, Micah who he lived with until his death. They had a special relationship and bonded daily! Byron embraced and was a father figure to many.
Affectionally called by, By, Daddy, Dad, Grampi, Bobby, Byron Skyron, Lord Byron, Uncle Byron, Uncle B, and Pops. Byron never met a stranger he truly embraced ALL.
He peacefully departed this world on Thursday October 3, 2024 at the age of 75. Byron lived a life full of passion, marked by his deep love for people, sports, classic cars, and timeless melodies of old music.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Mrs. Hazel James of Antioch, Ca; daughter, DeAna James of Antioch, Ca; son, Anthony James; granddaughter, Lydia; grandson, Micah; great grandchildren, DJ and Derion; two sisters, Elaine and Brenda (Phil); one brother, Wayne (Debbie) and a host nieces, nephews, family and a lot of friends all whom he adored and took great pride in. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph, Sr. and Rita James; daughter, Nikki and brothers Joseph, Jr. and Bernard James.
As we bid him farewell, we take comfort in knowing that he is now cruising down the highway to heaven with his favorite music planning.
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