James Furcron

WESTLAKE — James Russell Furcron Sr. departed this life on Sept. 8, 2014, at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Westlake, Ohio. He was born on Sept. 21, 1938, to Morris Sr. and Amy Furcron in Wellington, Ohio.

James graduated from Wellington High School in 1956. He excelled at basketball, football, track, and baseball, setting many records during his high school years. After graduation, James pursued his education at Bowling Green State University, where he was a founding member of the Epsilon Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He graduated from Bowling Green in 1960 and moved to Detroit, Mich., where he began his career.

He was a retired physical education teacher with the Detroit Public Schools. He was also inducted into the Detroit Public Schools Coaches Hall of Fame. James attended Christ Church in Detroit, Mich. He enjoyed sports, reading the Psalms, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Carla M. and his son Elder James Jr. (wife, Sharon); his beloved grandchildren Amy-Eunice, James R. III, Blake, and Steven; his former wife, Roberta Ann (nee Triplett); his brothers, Morris Jr., Leman, Leon, and Harold (wife Gloria); his sister, Marie; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter in infancy; sister, Etta Ruth Boswell; brother, Howard Furcron; nephew, James L. Furcron; and niece and goddaughter, Lisa Bennett.

The family will receive friends Sept. 13, from 6-8 p.m. at True Vine Primitive Baptist Church, Elyria, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church in Detroit, Mich.

Arrangements were entrusted to Brown-Robinson Funeral Home, 2652 Broadway Ave., Lorain, OH 44052, 440-244-1831. Online condolences can be made at www.brownrobinson.com.