James L. Melvin

James Lewis Melvin, Jr. of Clairton, PA, passed away after a long battle with diabetes on August 20, 2017, in McKeesport, PA.  He was the oldest son of Ceola Scott Melvin and the late James L. Melvin, Sr., born on October 8, 1961, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Joe as he was affectionately known by close family and friends, graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School.  Throughout his life, Joe liked to help others and do things with his hands.  As a result, he followed in the same steps as his mother with a love for horticulture and getting a job putting his knowledge to the test working for Kelly Construction and other private landscaping companies throughout PA.  James joined the Gethsemane Church of God in Christ in 2015 after moving back to Clairton and enjoyed the times he had with his church family.

Joe loved to meet people and to have fun.  He enjoyed most of all spending time with his children and grandchildren.  On a just because day, he would call around and get all the kids together along with other children in the family and area and have a fun day full of food and fun.  He also had a love for sweets and shared this passion with everyone he knew.  He would often have the kids meet him after school to get candy and his favorite butter pecan ice cream.  His heart was so open to others that he did things like this not wanting anything in return.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, oldest sister Terri Ann Melvin, and grandparents and countless other family members whom he loved.

Joe is survived by his mother Ceola Melvin, daughter Courtney Melvin, sons James Melvin and Cameron Melvin, 5 grandchildren.  Siblings Debra Melvin, Christal (Harry) Ellis, Kimberly Dawkins, Shawn Melvin and Robin (Kenneth) Willis.  Aunts Mary Baptiste, Aretha Scott, Elaine (Clinard) Lewis and Karen Chaney, uncles John (Gloria) Scott and William Hammonds and many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.