James East, 89, of Clairton, PA was born July 10, 1933, in Dora, Alabama. He was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Lucius (Dorsey) East.
In 1940, the family moved from Alabama to Clairton, PA where he attended school and later worked at a Machine Shop for 20+ years. James attended and was a member of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ.
In addition to working at the Machine Shop, James was a self-taught barber and was known to some as the “Blair Heights Original Barber”. As someone said, “If you grew up in Clairton, you probably got a haircut from Mr. Jimmy, one of a kind.” Others said that he was their first barber.
James departed this life on July 10, 2022 (his 89th birthday) at St. Clair Health Center. He was the last living sibling of twelve brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas, and Lucius East, three sisters: Mrs. Catherine Pope, Mrs. Lessie Mae Rucker, and Mrs. Louise Robinson, and nine brothers: Sonny East, Red East, Robert (Bob) East, Charles (Charlie) East, Thomas (Snook) East, Richard (Bea) East, Lucius (Delmas) East, Irvin (Syrup) East, and George (Joe) East.
James and his brother, Thomas (Snook) East are together in their final resting place as per James’s request.
James is survived by his son, Jimell East, grandchildren, niece, Paula Robinson, many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
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