Major James Lafayette “Jim” Alexander, Jr., USAF (Ret.), 87, of Winchester, Virginia passed away Sunday, May 26, 2019, at Blue Ridge Hospice Inpatient Care Center.
Mr. Alexander was born in 1932 in Harrisburg, North Carolina, the son of the late Annie and James Alexander, Sr. He attended Appalachian State Teacher College in Boone, North Carolina, but enlisted in the military before receiving his degree. Mr. Alexander was a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force, where he was a Pilot and Operations Officer, achieving the rank of Major and retiring after 28 years of service, which included serving in the Air Force Reserves. He received the USAF Commendation Medal, Bronze Leaf, USAF Combat Readiness Award, the National Defense Medal (Bronze Star), the Vietnam Service Medal (Bronze Star), the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Rated as Command Pilot. Mr. Alexander was a member of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church.
His wife, Janet Lineweaver Alexander, whom he married on November 29, 1997 preceded him in death in 2016. Mr. Alexander’s first wife, Patty Ann Alexander preceded him in death in 2002.
Surviving are his sons, Steven J. Alexander (Jeanie) of Gore, Virginia, Michael S. Alexander (Deanna) of Winchester, Virginia, and Ronald A. Alexander (Wendy) of Ashland, Virginia ; grandchildren, Mary and Joy Pierce of Stephens City, Virginia and Macon Alexander of Ashland, Virginia; great grandson, Tyler Salmon of Gore, Virginia; sister, Nancy Hooper of Hollywood, Florida; and several nieces.
A visitation will be from 1 pm to 2 pm on Friday at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel with a funeral service at 2 pm with Dr. Bill Everhart officiating. Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park, Winchester, Virginia.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601.