Mr. James Lee “Main” Upshaw, Sr., age 86, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at approximately 11:15 p.m. at Lima Rehab and Nursing Center in Lima.

Mr. Upshaw was born on July 16, 1931 in Pittsview, Alabama to the union of Frank and Mariah Mark Upshaw, both parents preceded him in death.

On June 26, 1976 he was united in Holy matrimony to Marva Bankston Upshaw who survives in Lima.

Mr. Upshaw retired from General Motors Corporation after many years of service. He was a member of U.A.W. Local 211.   He was a faithful member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board for over fifty years and was the Chairman. He also enjoyed singing in the Male Chorus.  After retirement Mr. Upshaw worked at the Jones-Clark Funeral Home for many years.

Besides his loving wife Marva, he leaves to cherish his precious memory 7 sons;  James L. Upshaw, Jr. (Ralphaelita) of Marietta, GA.  Arthur Upshaw (Diane) and Greg Upshaw both of Detroit, MI.  Ronnie Upshaw (Jacqueline) of Louisville, KY.  Ricardo Upshaw (Therese) of Atlanta, GA.  Sherman Davis (Jill) and William Cain, Sr.  (LaJoyce) both of Columbus, OH. A daughter; Tammie Mitchell (Gerald) of Marietta, GA.   18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.  2 brothers; Roosevelt Upshaw (Shirley) of Ft. Myers, FL and Johnny L. Upshaw (Johnnie) of Lima.  4 sisters;  Mary Bell Hardin and Bessie M. Gordy both of Pittsview, AL.  Bertha Allison of E. Chicago, IN and Elizabeth Peterson of Ft. Myers, FL.  His caregiver; granddaughter; Marva Stackhouse.  2 sisters-in-law; Clara Bankston and Corene Velma Pernell.  Brother-in-law; Nathaniel Bankston (Peggy).

Mr. Upshaw was preceded in death by a daughter; Irvamae Upshaw.  5 brothers; Lucious Upshaw, Sr., Frank Upshaw, Matthew Upshaw, Ralph Upshaw and Legusta Upshaw.  A sister; Ethel Gordy.  2 brothers-in-law; Corinth Bankston and Curtis Gurley.  2 sisters-in-law; Nathzolla Gurley and Elena Williams.

Services will be held on Monday January 8, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at New Hope  Missionary Baptist Church with  Rev. David E. Kelly, officiating.

Visitation/Wake will be held on Monday, January 8, 2018 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 12:00 p.m.

 Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

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