James Hurshell Alston

James Hurshell Alston, age 85, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016 in San Marcos, Texas. Born September 3, 1930 in George West, Texas to James A. and Gladys Alston. Hurshell moved with his family to Corpus Christ, Texas where he began working in construction and received his journeyman plumber’s State license in 1949 at the age of nineteen. He went to work for Suntide Refining Company, some years later, working in their maintenance department. He served on the Fire Response Team and held several key positions in the refinery, including Manager of Environmental Quality Control the last few years before his retirement.

Hurshell was a Deacon of Tuloso Midway Baptist Church, Corpus Christi, for many years before moving to Boerne, where he and Janet attended First Baptist Church of Boerne. He was also a member of the AF & AM Masonic Lodge 1337. He was Honorary Chapter Parent of the Future Homemakers of America and Future Farmers of America. He got his chauffer license so he could drive the school bus on many trips for these groups. He served on the Tuloso-Midway School Board for 7 years, including the advisory committee for vocational programs for the school and the Board of Directors of Suntide Federal Credit Union for 13 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents James A. and Gladys Alston, sister, LaVerne Beyer, brother, Charles Alston, and sister, Myra Jane McCrary.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janet McCain Alston and three daughters, Gwynetta and husband, Pat Grant, Lynette and husband, Roger Whiddon, and Jeanine and husband, Ric Seale. “Pampa”, as he was known to his grandchildren are, Stephanie Guillory, Chad Keys, Chris Grant, Shaun Seale, Brian Seale, Nicole Rosson, Elisa Howell, Tiffany Seale, and Kim East. He was blessed with great-grandchildren, Connor and Will, Chloe, Kiera, Briana, Trinity, Seth, Carlie, Cole, Matthew, Justin, Dylan, Aiden, Arianna, Caedmon, Brenin and Kayla. Also, his sisters and brother, Goldie Holland, Norman Alston, and Carol Bremer.

Special thank you to his caregivers at Brookdale Assisted Living in San Marcos, Texas, who gave him loving care in his last weeks.

Services will be held at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road in Corpus Christi, Texas 78415 on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and services at 11:00 a.m.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to: South Texas Children’s Home, P.O. Box 759, Beeville, Texas 78104.