James East
Clairton
James East, 89, of Clairton, Pa., was born July 10, 1933, in Dora, Ala. He was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Lucius (Dorsey) East. In 1940, the family moved from Alabama to Clairton, Pa., where he attended school and later worked at a machine shop for more than 20 years. James attended and was a member of Gethsemane Church of God in Christ. In addition to working at the machine shop, James was a self-taught barber and was known to some as the “Blair Heights Original Barber.” As someone said, “If you grew up in Clairton, you probably got a haircut from Mr. Jimmy, one of a kind.” Others said that he was their first barber. James departed this life on July 10, 2022 (his 89th birthday) at St. Clair Health Center. He was the last living sibling of 12 brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Lucius East; three sisters, Mrs. Catherine Pope, Mrs. Lessie Mae Rucker and Mrs. Louise Robinson; and nine brothers, Sonny East, Red East, Robert “Bob” East, Charles “Charlie” East, Thomas “Snook” East, Richard “Bea” East, Lucius “Delmas” East, Irvin “Syrup” East and George “Joe” East. James and his brother Thomas “Snook” East are together in their final resting place, per James’ request. James is survived by his son, Jimell East; grandchildren; niece, Paula Robinson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Family and friends will be received at Gethsemane Church of God in Christ 200 Crest St., Clairton, PA 15025. Visitation will be Monday, July 18, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in McKeesport Versailles Cemetery, McKeesport PA. Arrangements are entrusted to ROBERT A. WATERS FUNERAL HOME, 449 Mitchell Ave., Clairton, PA 15025.
