James Louis Ala

James Louis Ala passed away peacefully on August 15, 2022 at the age of 92. He joins his beloved wife Florence, his parents: Mary and Biagio Ala, his sisters and brother-in-law: Joan Parks, Jean and Bob Grassino, and his in-laws Hulda and Henry Krueger. Jim was a father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend to many.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Farrar of Chicago, IL, his children Debbie (Billy) Upchurch of Cumming, GA, Sandy Eckhart of Atlanta, GA, Jim (Janet) Ala of Stone Mt. GA, Mark (Mary) Ala of Tucker, GA and Bruce (Cindy) Ala of Doraville, GA. His grandchildren Britt (Lindsey) Upchurch, Heather (Eric) Larson, Bryan (Corbin) Upchurch, Kris (Jayson) Stephens, James Wheeler, Katie (Shawn) Childress, Jeffrey Eckhart; Holly Ala (Marcus Jackson) and Mark (Kristen) Ala. Jim was a great-grandfather to 16: Angelina and Annabelle Stephens; Calvin Childress; Charlie, Cooper, and Arlene Upchurch; Ryder and Micah Larson; Scout and Sunny Upchurch; Jordon, Haidyn, and Skylar Ala-Jackson; Sadie, Easton, and Piper Ala; along with numerous other nephews, nieces, and many friends.

Born in 1929, Jim came from a simple beginning. A first-generation American son to Italian immigrants, he started working at age 13 to help with household bills and did not stop until he was 70. Jim served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1951. He bravely fought in the Korean War and served on the USS Brush as a sonar technician. Jim and Florence married in June 1953 and welcomed their first of five children in 1954. Jim began his career in Chicago, IL and was transferred 4 times ending in Georgia in 1963. In 1966, he started his own dry cleaning business and retired in 1999. During those years in business, he made many friends and was a kind boss. Jim and Florence loved adventures together, including an Alaskan Cruise, European trips, and many United States destinations. He loved having everyone over to his home in Stone Mountain to swim. He and Florence also loved to spoil their grandchildren. In his later years, Jim enjoyed his favorite recliner, watching old movies, M*A*S*H, and taking care of his cats. He always wore a smile and would lend a hand. Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty, respect, and kindness.

The family will have visitation on Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  A graveside service will be held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia on Friday, August 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM.

Jim loved cats and serving our country. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local humane society or a veteran’s affairs organization