James "Monk" Aston

James Ernest “Monk” Aston, 95, of Jonesboro, died Saturday, February 2, 2013, at the Flo and Phil Jonesboro Hospice House.

Born in Harrisburg, Monk has lived in Jonesboro since 1925. He was a member of the Washington Avenue Church of Christ in Jonesboro.

Monk worked in Chicago as an electrician and crane operator in the defense industry during W.W. II. He later worked as parts manager in the auto industry for many years: 14 years at Ozburn Auto, 17 years at 555 Auto Supply, and 4 years at Indian Oldmobile-Cadillac. Monk worked at other dealerships including several years at McCarty Motors before it became Cavanaugh Motors where he retired in 2002. Monk took care of his wife, Melba Marcine McCracken Aston, for 7 years before her death.

In addition to his wife, Monk was preceded in death by his parents: James Edward and Jeanette Williams Aston, his son, Dr. James Kenneth “Ken” Aston, a brother, Vernon D. Aston, and a sister, Edyth Aston Hart.

Survivors include 2 grandchildren: James Kenneth Aston, Jr. and Cyril Edward Aston, and 2 great grandchildren, Alexis Aston Hunter and Kayla Aston. Also surviving are Monk’s caregivers: a niece, Lynda Hundley of Jonesboro and a nephew, Carroll Hundley of Jonesboro. Other nephews and nieces survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 11:00 in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Kenneth Gossett officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery.

Active pallbearers include Carroll Hundley, Danny Merritt, Lyn Hillhouse, Bill Montgomery, Bob Clairday and Bert Cole.

Honorary pallbearers include Drs. Danny Grubbs, Anthony White and Joe Stainton, Mr. and Mrs. Burl Johnson.

Visitation will be held Monday morning from 10:00 until service time in Emerson Chapel.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of NEA Baptist Hospital for the professional care given to Monk and also the nurses and staff at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for the compassionate care in Monk’s final days.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the charity of the donor’s choice.