ST. LOUIS– James Vernon “Jimmy" Tyson Sr., son of the late Luther James and Celeste Tyson, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Jan. 28,1997, in St. Louis.

 

He was born in Alton on July 10, 1941. He attended Dunbar and Lovejoy Elementary schools, where his excellence and ability as a student began to be noticed. His early life included membership at Campbell A.M.E. Church, where he will be remembered as an officer and his special edification as Sunday School Superintendent.

 

Jimmy graduated with honors from Alton High School. He was the recipient of several, scholarships, including the Elijah P. Lovejoy Memorial Scholarship. He graduated from St Louis College of Pharmacy, receiving his P.D. in 1965, and was a loyal fraternity member of Phi Delta Chi. He interned under the tutelage of former pharmacist, George D. Samuels Jr. in Alton. Later, he was hired as a pharmacist at the former Thrifty Drug Store on Belle Street in Alton. He later moved to Bridgeton, Mo., to establish his own drug store, which he successfully managed for several years.

 

He enjoyed bowling and collecting old coins, movies on tape and comic books. Many will remember his contributions to the Alton community and as president of the Alton Branch of the N.A.A.C.P.

 

Surviving are a son, James Vernon Jr., and two daughters, Monica Lynn and Stephanie Tyson of St.  Louis; two sisters, Dorothy R. Dawson of St. Louis and Mildred W. Jamerson of Alton; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and two devoted friends, George Mitchell Sr. and Armon Crawford of St. Louis.

 

A brother, Robert, two sisters, Helen and Loretta, and his wife, Mary Ann, preceded him in death.