James B. Slaughter

James B. Slaughter, Jr. age 71, passed away on April 4, 2019 at Royal Springs Health Care and Rehab Center in Las Vegas, NV. He was born April 2, 1948 in Gadsden, Alabama, to proud parents James Bride Slaughter, Sr. and Annie Mae(Tinker) Slaughter. He attended St. Martin DePorres Catholic School and Carver High School in Gadsden, AL. He attended Howard University Washington, DC for two years, and then decided to join the United Sates Army. After basic training and infantry school, he was sent to Viet Nam where he was assigned to a supply unit, but also saw action as a helicopter machine gunner. He was also assigned briefly to a mortuary unit to help prepare the remains of his fallen comrades for their return home. After his first tour of duty James “re-upped” for another tour, serving almost two years in the combat zone where he was exposed to Agent Orange. At the time of his honorable discharge in1972 he had earned the rank of Specialist 4 and was awarded the National Defense Medal, the Viet Nam Service Medal and the Viet Nam Campaign Medal. James was extremely proud of his service to his country but was always reluctant to talk about some of the difficult experiences that he endured there. After his military service, James worked for the United States Postal service in Atlanta, GA for several years, and then returned to Gadsden Al where he worked for Spring Valley Foods that later became Keystone Foods until his retirement.

When growing up in Gadsden, James was a handsome, outgoing child who drew people to him like a magnet. He liked to laugh and play and get into mischievous situations with his peers. As he grew older he became interested in art and drawing. He was known for his excellent penmanship and composition. As an adult he was a very affable person, known to get along with anyone, and always concerned for the comfort and needs of others. He would often lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. No one has ever said an unkind word about him. He loved to follow sports and could name just about every player in professional baseball. He was a dedicated Christian, read his Bible every day, and served as a deacon in Oak Grove Baptist Church, Gadsden, AL.

On October 6th, 19 72 he married Mary Jean Robinson, also from Gadsden AL. Unto this union a son, Michael, was born on July 25th, 1975. After leaving the Postal Service, the family moved back to Gadsden to raise their son. He and Jean enjoyed their time together up until her death on December 12, 2013. As time passed on James began to suffer from memory loss and the inability to manage his affairs. In order to better assist him with these issues, his sister Margaret brought him to Las Vegas, NV where she and her husband had retired and lived. At this time his memory continued to decline. He was treated at the Las Vegas VA Medical Center and required long term care placement. He resided at Royal Springs Health Care and Rehab Care in Las Vegas, NV for five years. He did well in this setting for three years. He was known there for his friendly attitude and big smile, and often kept the staff entertained. Beginning March 2018 he slowly declined and was unable to communicate. Finally the Lord our Savior decided that James had fought long enough, and that it was time for James to enjoy eternal peace. James is sorely missed by his family and friends as shown by the many phone calls, emails, and cards. He is survived by his son Michael R. Slaughter(Gadsden,AL), and his sister Margaret A. Griffin, MD, brother-in-law Ronald A. Griffin, MD (Las Vegas, NV) nephew, Anthony A. Griffin (Tokyo, Japan) cousins Helen F. McAlpine, PhD ( Johnnie McAlpine, Phd) Upper Marlboro,MD ,Gerrie Tinker( Gadsden, AL), Nikkie Tinker, Esq.( Birmingham, AL) Paul Tinker (Atlanta, Ga) Ben Lewis, Sr. (St Louis, MO) and many other cousins, relatives and dear friends. His sister Margaret would like to recognize his lifelong childhood friends from the neighborhood on Mallory Street, (Gadsden, Al ), Oak Grove Baptist Church Members, Keystone co-workers, other dear friends and extended family.