ALEXANDER, James LeRoy 1955-2016

ALEXANDER, HAND, CONKLIN

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 11/11/2016 at 11:32:56

Rock Rapids, Iowa -- James Alexander Sr., age 61 of Rock Rapids, died unexpectedly Sunday, October 16, 2016 at his residence in Rock Rapids.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30AM, Friday, October 21st at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, Iowa, with Father Bruce Lawler as celebrant. Burial will be at 1:30PM at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 20th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be a rosary at 6:45 p.m. and vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.

James LeRoy Alexander Sr. was born on January 2, 1955 in Sibley, Iowa, the son of LeRoy and Mary (Hand) Alexander. He was raised in Sibley and graduated from Sibley High School in 1974 and joined the U.S. Navy. After his honorable discharge he returned to Sibley and worked various jobs in the northwest Iowa area.

Jim was united in marriage to Arlene Conklin on June 12, 1976 at Eastside Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, SD. Together they lived and raised their family in Sibley. Jim had enjoyed working at the AMPI creamery in Sanborn, IA and later pursued many business ventures throughout the years, such as a bait shop and a shuttle service. Throughout Jim’s life he faced several health issues but remained positive and always maintained his faith and his giving nature.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, feeding the birds and played Santa Claus for the children of friends and family for many years. He loved Christmas and enjoyed driving people around to look at Christmas lights in the area. He was always looking for ways to make others happy. He always had stories to tell and laughs to share. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jim and Arlene moved to Rock Rapids, IA in 2007. Jim was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, the Knights of Columbus Council #12674 and Rex Strait Post No. 103, American Legion of Rock Rapids. He also volunteered as a Senior Companion and was known to help his friends that were elderly or disabled.

This past Sunday, October 16, 2016 Jim passed away peacefully at his residence in Rock Rapids. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 40 years, Arlene Alexander of Rock Rapids, IA; three children, April (Dan) Lange of Royalton, MN, James Alexander Jr. of St. Cloud, MN and Patrick Alexander (special friend Lacey Gerwing) of Little Falls, MN; former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Alexander of Rock Rapids; twelve grandchildren, Zoey Lange, Maddie Lange, Jackson Lange, William Alexander, Autumn Alexander, Isaiah Alexander, Landon Baran, Kaylyn Boyer, Robert Alexander, Aiden Alexander, Addison Alexander and Serena Carey; three sisters-in-laws, Anita (Ken) Adomat of Blue Grass, IA, Ruth (Doug) Schram of Mesa, AZ and Rose (Lee) Meyer of Colton, SD; one brother-in-law, Allen Conklin of Sioux Falls, SD; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Mary Alexander; parents-in-law, Aubrey and Alice Conklin; two brothers-in-law, Arvin and Robert Conklin; and several aunts and uncles.

Source: Jurrens Funeral Home