James Thomas Laskey

James Thomas Laskey 95, a resident of Elmore County transitioned February 6, 2023.Funeral Services will be February 18, 2023, at Eunice M. Mitchell Chapel (Hillside), at 11:00 a.m., burial to follow at New Nazareth Churchyard cemetery, HWY 143. James Thomas Laskey was born on July 26, 1927, in Deatsville, Alabama to the late Adam Laskey and Ethel Lee Laskey Bowmen (Giles). James departed this life at the age of 95 on February 6, 2023, during a peaceful sleep in his Montgomery, Alabama home. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George and Eddie Frank Laskey, son Emanuel, as well as the love of his life, Annie Ruth Laskey, who passed away on May 29, 2021. James was raised in Deatsville, Alabama and attended public schools until the eighth grade. While in school he met his beloved, Annie Ruth. James loved to sing gospel music, so at the age of 14 he ventured to the “Music City,” Detroit, Michigan. Soon after his arrival, he got married and had three sons from his first union. In Detroit, James worked as a day laborer until the age of 21. After missing his home and family in Alabama, he dissolved his first union and returned to Deatsville to be with his true love, Annie. James and Annie were married on August 3, 1948, and from that union they had 10 children. The couple moved their family to Washington, DC in the 1960’s where James accepted a full-time position with the Washington Post one of the most-widely circulated newspapers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. James believed in taking care of his entire family, so he also had several part-time jobs, including being a bar hand and parking cars with PMI Parking. In his spare time, he sang with several gospel groups, including the “Blind Boys of DC.” James proudly retired in June 1987; at which time the Washington Post gave him several accolades for his great years of dedicated service. Once retired, James and Annie returned to Montgomery, Alabama, the place that they always called home, to spend time with their family and friends. James continued to enjoy the spiritual sounds of gospel music. On most days, you would find him at home catching his favorite football team, the Washington Redskins or quietly listening to various gospel artists. James had a calling that he fulfilled with faith in God and strength: He was a provider with a sharp mind and the will to stand on his own two feet. For this example, we are all forever grateful. James Laskey is survived by 12 children: Melba Lawrence (Allen), Edward (Ernestine), Gwen Thompson (Kenny), Ivory, Darrell, Carl (Darcel), Pamela Powell (Stacey), Wanda Barbour (Calvin), Theresa Hollowell (Michael), Antionette Benton (Jerome), Charles, and David; 26 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family and friends with Hillside Memorial & Gardens directing.

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James Thomas Laskey

July 26, 1927 - February 6, 2023