James Austin Southern, Sr.

James Austin Southern, Sr., 93, of East Liverpool, OH, formerly of Hickory, died on March 2, 2023, in his home. He was born on November 8, 1929, a son of the late James Willie Southern and Josie Hester Nelson Southern. Mr. Southern had worked as a police officer for Mt. Pleasant Township, a security officer for Washington and Jefferson College, and a crane operator and electrician for J&L Steel. An avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan, James enjoyed traveling, gardening, singing, and playing the guitar and banjo, but most of all, he loved the time spent with friends and family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Louise Hendershot, whom he married on September 8, 1961. Surviving are his sons, James Southern, Jr., and Jackie (Allena) Southern; a daughter, Cynthia Southern; a sister, Becky Barker; a sister-in-law, and his caregiver, Esmerelda Hendershot, and her family; sixteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased are his first wife, Juanita Margret Hall; a son, Stevie James Southern; two brothers, Eugene and Robert Southern; six sisters, Betty Morrow, Catherine Holt, Blondie Wright, Melinda Chamsek, Matilda Diperna and Elsie Mae Southern; and a granddaughter, Kelly Jean Southern. Friends and family are welcome on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 2 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., the time of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington.