Preston Ross James, Sr., passed on to be with God on February 26, 2022 at age 93 in Silver Spring, Maryland. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley James, his daughter Jean Choquette (George Choquette), and his son Preston James, Jr. (Candi James) and was loved by his deceased daughter Barbara James (Steve Ross). He is also survived by five grandchildren: Michael Choquette (Angela Choquette), Nicole Ross, Danielle Ross, Preston James, III, and Scott James. Preston grew up in Washington DC and had twelve brothers and sisters.
Preston worked in the construction industry specializing in building churches at Martin Brothers, Inc. during his entire career. He started as a carpenter’s helper, but with his keen intellect and leadership skills, quickly advanced to superintendent. He was very successful at building beautiful churches throughout the Washington, DC area and ultimately purchased the company he had helped grow for many years.
In his free time, he loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted father and was always ready to have fun with his children playing baseball, hiking, reading, fishing, sailing, skiing, etc. He also loved playing volleyball, softball, and table tennis with his friends. Preston was an accomplished woodworker and built many fine furniture pieces for his home and his children. He loved music and was a great piano player having taught himself to play piano by ear.
Funeral services celebrating Preston’s life will be held at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home at 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD on Saturday, March 12, 2022. The family invites guests to gather at 1:00pm. The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00pm.
(www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Preston’s name.
(www.alz.org)
