Mr. James A. Pla, Sr.

James Alvin Pla, Sr. was born August 11, 1951, and he passed away at home on February 18, 2025, at 10 pm. He was in the company of his beloved wife Patricia Pla and youngest son Abraham Pla. James loved The Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated his life to service of his children, the church and community. He was the first son of Albert and Dorothy (Bradford) Pla, and was raised in the Bronx, NY in a loving home of 8 children.

James was devoted to his family and very involved in the care and training of his children. James leaves this message to ALL his children:

"You all are amazing children to me. You were the best part of my life. I loved and enjoyed raising you, feeding you, clothing you, giving you the best home possible, and most of all a strong spiritual foundation. Enjoy your lives and always remember to put God first and prayer in all you do".

Dad will see you again.

James was an avid sports fan and he enjoyed coaching various sports and loved the NY Jets. God gave him great musical ability and he loved singing gospel music with his Uncle Alex Bradford, (Jr) in off Broadway productions. He was a sales rep and IT specialist for the 20 years he worked for COMCAST Cable. Above all, he found great peace in preaching and teaching the Word of God, sharing his faith with those who would listen. He had a great spiritual upbringing starting with the Saints and Friends from the Amicable Christian Church in the Bronx, NY, and ministers he was trained by including the late Dr. Ernest Leonard from Newark NJ.

James Alvin Pla will be missed by his wife Patricia Pla, children, siblings and friends. A special place is held in the hearts of his children Vanessa Pla, James A. Pla Jr, and Abraham Alvin Albert Pla. In addition to his parents James was preceded in death by his eldest son Jermaine Hawkins, Brother Alex Pla, Sister Albertha Matilda Pla.

The service will be held at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Viewing 11 am, service starts at 12 noon, burial after the service at Union Cemetery of Hellertown, PA. Celebration of Life at the Hellertown Dinner, 29 Main Street, Hellertown, PA 18055 starting around 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Hospice Endowment Fund, 801 Ostrum St, Bethlehem, PA 18015.

Condolence may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com