James Joseph Alford

August 16, 1944 - October 10, 2017

Funeral services for James Joseph (Jim) Alford, 73, of Caldwell are set for 10 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Caldwell, with Pastor Wayne Calder officiating. Interment will follow at Masonic Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2017 at Strickland Funeral Home. Mr. Alford passed away on October 10, 2017 in San Marcos, Texas.

Jim was born August 16, 1944 in Temple, Texas to D. L. Alford, Jr. and Catherine Grace Guynes Alford. Even though the Alfords were from Caldwell, Temple's Scott & White Hospital was the nearest hospital at the time. He was a 6th generation Texas and an American that traced his ancestry back to the Mayflower.

He attended Caldwell public schools and graduated as Salutatorian of his class. He was a member of the Hornet Band and participated in both football and track. He was also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America as a boy. After giving a couple other local universities a try, he graduated from Texas A&M University, class of "69. Upon graduation from A&M, Jim joined his father as an insurance agent in the family business, now known as Alford & Company Insurance Agency. He later became a realtor, as well.

In the early 1970's, Jim met Kathy Burgess on a blind date. In true Jim Alford style, he didn't call Kathy again for another six years. In the fall of 1978, Jim needed a date to an Aggie football game at Kyle Field. So, he called on Kathy. She accepted the invitation. A few months later they were married on June 9, 1979 in Port Lavaca, Texas.

Jim and Kathy soon moved into his grandparent's old home (what is now known and the Amherst House) and lived there until 2011. After living in Caldwell for most of his life, Jim & Kathy decided they wanted to sew their wild oats and move to the big city of College Station. A few years later, they moved to Kyle, Texas to be near their son and grandkids.

Jim was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Caldwell where he sang in the choir for many years. He was also a member of Caldwell's Rotary Club for many years.

Jim will be remembered as a kind, gentleman who was always there for those who needed him. Surviving relatives include; his wife, Kathryn Lurene Burgess Alford; his two sons and one daughter-in-law, Joseph Woodrow Alford and his wife Allison McGuire Alford and Andrew James Alford; his brother Daniel Lee Alford, III; and four grandchildren: Eli McGuire Alford, Lyla Grace Alford, Grace Everly Alford, and Jameson Jack Alford. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Strickland Funeral Home of Caldwell.

Please visit our website at www.stricklandfuneralhomes.com for additional information and to sign the online register.