James Overton Alston

ALSTON, James Overton, 95, of Tampa, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2016 of natural causes. James was lovingly nicknamed “Bud”, “J.O”, and “The Big He-Boar”. He was born in Arkansas to Lois and Lawrence Alston. On November 4, 1976, he married Francesca Paolozzi Alston. Bud went to the “School of Hard Knocks”. He had a very successful career; he was the former vice president and president of Jim Walter Corporation. He was an original partner of Jim Walter Corporation along with Jim Walter and Arnold Saraw. Bud was the Director of Marine Bank, Flagship Bank, Suntrust Bank, and Director Emeritus of Suntrust Holding Corp. He served in the U.S. Navy as Chief Petty Officer in the Admiralty Islands in the Pacific. He owned and operated the Lazy Rockin’ A Ranch in Crystal Springs, FL. Bud loved hunting, horse races, and spending time with his family. Bud was predeceased by his grandson, James Overton Alston IV (2009); sister, Helen Steger; cousin, Bennett Alston (2016).He is survived by his loving spouse, Francesca; children, Janice and Brad (Winkie); step-children, Ronald and Edward; grandchildren, Page (Sam), John (Michelle), Alston (Chad), Sara (Charlie), Savannah, and Hadley (Kevin); step-grandchildren, Wesley, Alexandra, Nathan, Jacob, Caroline, and George; great grandchildren, Cole, Isaac, Lila, Arthur, Cameron, Riley, Levi, Adeline, Annabella, Sawyer, Lorelei, Colton, Hana, Luke, and Evan. A funeral service will be held 10 am at Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood, 3207W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, FL 33612,or All Childrens Hospital, 501 6th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL