James F. Alkire

1933 - 2015

James F. Alkire

James F. Alkire, 82, of Lafayette, passed away Sunday April 12, 2015 at IU Health Arnett. He was born in Lafayette April 8, 1933 to Mildred and Chester Alkire. On July 23, 1966 he married Sally Raub Alkire in the First United Methodist Church of which he was a member. Jim graduated from Jefferson High School in 1952. His interest in photography began in 1957 with an apprenticeship at Phillip's Studio in Lafayette and in 1964 he opened his own photography studio at 214 North 5th Street. His first year in business he won the Severin Award presented by the Professional Photographers Association of Indiana for the best total exhibit. He was a photography judge for the Indiana State Fair in the years 1983,'85,'86 and '89, both amateur and professional divisions. He also judged the Scholastic Art Exhibition sponsored by L.S. Ayres and the Indianapolis Star, the Purdue Camera Club, the Riviera Camera Club of Indianapolis and the 4-H Fair Photo Contests. In 1989 he won the Kodak/Parade Magazine, "The American Woman" photo contest. Out of 115,000 entries, his photo, along with 99 others, was exhibited on a Kodak-Sponsored nationwide tour. It was later published in a book and used as a lead in on an ABC show. While in high school, Jim played drums in local bands. He played through the 50's with the Ray Gretencord quartet and Chet Bauch 18 piece band. In the 60's he was with Dan McGuire's group. In 1968, he formed the Jim Alkire jazz trio and played many venues around Lafayette. In 1969, he formed his first 5-piece band which later went to a 7-piece group. It was a very popular dance band in Lafayette and the State. He also had the Jim Alkire Dixieland Jazz Band. In 1981, he was the recipient of the Musician of the Year Award presented by the Lafayette Federation of Musicians Local #162. The band was in existence for 43 years. Jim always prided himself on giving back to the community. He and the band volunteered for many events which included The Tippecanoe Historical Association, the Lafayette Citizen's Band, the depot relocation to Riehle Plaza, etc. Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years; sisters Ruth Ann Alkire of West Lafayette, Mary Elizabeth Butler of Lafayette, and Marjorie Carder of Indianapolis. He is also survived by many numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Donald and Francis, and sisters Jane, Carmen and Mary Josephine. Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette from 5 until 7 PM Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home 11:00 AM Thursday, Fr. Timothy Alkire officiating, with interment to follow at Battle Ground Cemetery. The family requests donations to the Almost Home Animal Shelter in memory of Jim who was a lover of all animals. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com.