Anderson, Indiana
1926 - 2011
James R. “Jim” Alexander, Sr. 84, of Anderson passed away January 29, 2011 at his residence after an extended illness.
He was born November 8, 1926 in Mt. Vernon, KY, the son of Alford and Lucy J. (Rash) Alexander and was raised by his uncle and aunt, Milton and Jane Rash.
He retired from Lynch and was an expert welder and a member of the American Welding Society. He served in the US Army and was stationed in Hawaii.
Jim served as a Boy Scout leader for many years for Troop 280, hosted by North Anderson Church of God and was a long-time little league coach and umpire. Years ago, he drove the bus for the Church of God and recently drove for the mental health center. He volunteered at Community Hospital as a Red Coat.
He loved to travel and had been to Canada and Mexico and all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. You name it, he’s been there; DC, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon and Niagara. He’s been to nearly every national park in the US. He’s driven the Alaska Highway and while in Alaska, he walked on a glacier, panned for gold, went deep sea fishing and caught 150 pounds of halibut in Valdez. He made several trips on his Gold Wing, including one to Monterrey, California.
He is survived by his wife, Colleen Alexander of Anderson; children, Linda Garrison, James “Jim” (wife, Sandy) Alexander, Jr. and Bill (wife, Jan) Alexander, all of Anderson, Dave (wife, Melissa) Alexander of North Pole, Alaska, Jennifer Coots of Anderson, and Lois (husband, Lee) Brown of Virginia; step son, Dan (wife, Robin) Sager of Harden, KY; step daughter, Becky (husband, Steve) Early of Limo, OH; 16 grandchildren, James (wife, Carrol) Alexander, III, Robert (wife, Jackie) Alexander, Andrew Alexander, Rachel Alexander, William (wife, Jennifer) Alexander, Jr., Dan (wife, Shanna) Alexander, Hannah Coots, Meredith Coots, Stephen Coots, Tammy Podesta, Eric Brown, Lindsey Spurlack, Joshua (wife, Amber) Sager, Sarah Sager, Katie Early and Amy Earl; 10 great grandchildren including, Sara Alexander; the mother of his children, Beverly Alexander of Anderson; and sister, Mary Dowel of Asheville, NC.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and several brothers and sisters.
Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home with Rev. Gary McCaslin officiating. Burial will be at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by VFW post 266.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Linda, Lois and family...so sorry to learn of your loss. Remembering the times we spent at your home on Lafayette St. -- some time ago! Carolyn Arms Kruse
Carolyn Kruse
February 25, 2011 | Anderson, IN
Sorry for your lost thinking of you and your family Bill and Jan. Love ,Walt and Marie
Marie Bivens
January 31, 2011 | Anderson,, IN
To all: Today, let's not be content to feel his loss, but instead to cherish the memories of the time you shared with him..until you see him again..love you guys....kim and dean parris
January 31, 2011
Although no words can help to ease the loss, just know that you are close in thought. Lean on each other for strength and know that you are cared about.
Tammy Dodge
January 31, 2011 | Seattle, WA
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home
January 31, 2011 | Anderson, IN
