James Oliver Randall, Sr.

James Oliver Randall, Sr., 76, of Blythe, CA, sadly passed away after a long illness at his South First St. home surrounded by his loving family.

The only son of Oliver and Earnestine Randall was born at home in Mineola, Texas on April 16, 1947. The family moved to Casa Grande, AZ when he was three years old. He attended Pentecostal church with his family. He attended East School, North School and Casa Grande Union High School in Casa Grande.

James married the late Alma Ayers in Casa Grande and they had three children to their union: Virginia, Ernest, and Stacy. He later moved to Blythe and married LaHoma Mays. To this union they had three children: Jaclyn, James Jr., and Jonathan.

He was employed by Producer Cotton Gin for several years in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He then drove diesel trucks, hauling local produce for Triple H Transport. After getting tired of driving diesels, he went to work as a mechanic at Clifford Motors and later Sundance Chevrolet until the business was sold. He then took his tools and went to work as a mechanic for Mr. Engine until it closed. James retired as a heavy machinery mechanic from Palo Verde Irrigation District (PVID) in 2012.

James was always willing to help friends and family repair their vehicles at his house. The South Side and South First St. neighbors and friends will miss seeing James standing under the carport with his cup of coffee and a cigarette waving at each person who passed by the house next to Buy Rite.

He was preceded in death by his sister Frankie Valley and parents Oliver and Earnestine Randall.

James leaves to mourn his wife LaHoma of 47 years; six children – Virginia Randall of Houston, Texas, Ernest Randall of Casa Grande, Stacy Randall of Flagstaff, AZ, Jaclyn Randall Crowe (Danny), James Jr., and Jonathan, all of Blythe. He leaves three special bonus children – Shanika Scott of San Marcos, CA, Robert Watkins Jr. of Blythe, and James Watkins of Vista, CA. He is also survived by two sisters, Ina Calloway of Casa Grande and Mattie Randall of Chandler, AZ. James also leaves a large host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, one uncle, several cousins, and in-laws to cherish his memory.

He will also be mourned by many close friends who stopped by the South First St. corner house to chit-chat with him throughout the decades.

A memorial service for James will be held Friday, July 28, 2023, 10 AM, at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Blythe. There will be a private internment at a later date.