James Ashley Alexander
November 9, 1931 — June 11, 2016
Decatur ~ James Ashley Alexander, 84, a retired Personnel Manager with Tyson Foods, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, June 11, 2016 in Weatherford, Texas.
He was born on November 9, 1931 to James and Alma (Highsaw) Alexander in Refugio, Texas. He was united in marriage to Edna L. Jackson on April 13, 1975 in Harrison, Arkansas.
Graveside service will be held in Harrison, Arkansas at a later date.
James proudly served his country in the United States Army, 1st Calvary, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He was the recipient of the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation and a Purple Heart during the Korean War. While stationed in Japan, he participated in the All Far East Track Meet, placing 3rd in the 1500 meters.
He attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and was a former Assembly of God minister. While employed with Tyson Foods during the 1980’s, he organized what would grow into the single largest USSSA sanctioned softball tournament in the United States. An avid gardener, he raised prize-winning roses and enjoyed a well kept lawn.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his sons, Richard Alexander of Mesquite, Texas, Charles Alexander and wife Nancy of Montague, Michigan, and Gary Alexander and wife Donna of Decatur; his daughters, Ruth Grant and husband Ron, of Moorestown, New Jersey, and Deborah Johnson and husband James of Fort Worth; his grandchildren Jonathan Morse and wife, Jessica, Jeremy Morse and wife Patricia, Erik Alexander and Michael Grant; his great grandchildren, Corwin, Jonas, Josiah, Aria and Jeremiah; other family members and many friends.
Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home, Boyd, Texas 940-433-5310
www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com