James Alexander

James Alexander
James Alexander, 83, of Enfield, CT, beloved husband of Lynn (Conley) Alexander, died Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 from a myriad of illnesses at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.
Born in Hartford, CT and raised in Windsor, CT, James enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at 18 as an Antitank Assaultman, carrying on a proud family tradition of Marine Corps service started by his father and by chance serving in the same regiment, 6th Marines, as his father, headquartered at Camp Lejeune, NC. While in the Marines, he sailed with Marine Expeditionary Units to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and was on ship as part of President Kennedy's naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis ready to invade the island if given the order. James also served with a Marine detachment providing security and overwatch for Polaris nuclear missiles headquartered at the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot at U.S. Naval Base, Charleston, SC.
After leaving the Marines, James was employed for 37 years by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT working in plant security and fire protection. Being an accomplished marksman, he was a member of Pratt & Whitney's highly successful competitive pistol team until funding for the team was discontinued. When Pratt was downsizing due to strategic corporate restructuring and a recession in the Connecticut economy, James was instrumental in the formation of the Independent Fire/Security Officers Association union along with his fellow work colleagues in 1989. It stands to this day as a proud independent union bargaining for fair wages and workers rights. He also continued his military service in the Connecticut National Guard rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Along the way, he earned an Associates Degree from Manchester Community College. Upon retirement, he worked part-time at Leete-Stevens Family Funeral Homes until health issues made conventional work impractical.
Always the jokester, James was an avid sports and movie fan who was extremely loyal to the New York Yankees and the Chicago Bears, and he kept a special place in his heart for the UCONN Women's Basketball Team and Coach Auriemma. In addition to Lynn, James is survived by his son David Alexander of Enfield, CT, also a Marine Corps veteran. Moreover, James is survived by his son Ken Alexander and his daughter Kelly Cameron.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, December 4th, 2025 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Burial the next day at St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery, with Military Honors, will be private. James' family suggests that expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of donations to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203 (www.nmcrs.org).
For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.