James Richard Alexander

James Richard Alexander, age 95 of Warren, died Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at home while under the loving & vigilant care of his loved ones and the "angels" at Reverence Hospice. He was born October 27, 1919 in Tifton, Georgia, son of the late WIlburn and the late Alice (nee: Gibbs) Alexander.At the age of 25, James' life took a wonderful turn when he was joined in marriage with the love of his life, Ida. As they began their journey as husband & wife, it wouldn't be long before the blessings of children would begin to create the picture of family for these lovebirds,…and life was never the same.James worked for many years in the meat packing industry as a sausage maker. His time was split between two companies, Swift Meat Packing and Peske's Meat Packing Company, both in Detroit. He extended the utmost in dedicated service to both plants until he was forced to go on disability in 1976.When he wasn't working or simply looking for a little fun to pass the time, it often entailed pulling out the ol' checker board,…or perhaps a good, ol' game of Rummy,…and maybe even a little penny poker action. But on those special occasions, joining with his family for a picnic at Stony Creek Park was the cat's meow! And whether it was one of the creeks at the park or a familiar spot in the South while visiting family, there was no questioning his love of fishing. Along with the sporting element involved, there was also a peacefulness and serenity that fishing seemed to combine that drew James to this favorite pastime.And speaking of the South, James always found great enjoyment in the reunions he shared with family in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Being born down Georgia, there was no mistaking that he left a huge chunk of his heart behind the day he departed. So each trip had its own memories of fishing, just hangin' out,…and the special moments on the beach at Panama City Beach, Florida. Like many guys, James loved his sports,…especially when it involved his favorites, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. But truth-be-told,…for as supportive as he was with his hometown boys of summer in their Blue & Orange jerseys, the passion he held for his "true hometown boys," the Atlanta Braves went without question. He also loved dogs, especially his precious pet, Lucky,…who got pampered and spoiled like a little kid. A Lhasa Apso-Shitzu mix, it was the perfect lap dog who provided countless hours of love and entertainment.But without a doubt, there was no beating the fun and enjoyment he derived from watching his treasured great & great-great grandkids frolic and play each time they came for a visit. Their presence provided a dose of youthfulness that was quite contagious,…and welcomed.James was a loving husband, father and grandfather who gave the best of himself and leaves behind a storehouse of wonderful memories for all to cherish with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.James was the beloved husband of Ida Lee (nee: McLendon) Alexander. Dear father of Clarence (Ruth) Alexander, Patricia (Harold) Thompson, Richard (Janet) Alexander, and Larry (Brenda) Alexander. He was the loving grandfather of Kim, Shannon, Erin, James, Ron, Tony (Jill), Steve (Betty Jo), Tricia (Jeff), Mike (Shannon), Brian (Sunju), Melissa (Billy), Jim (Crystal), Jeff (Lisa), Jeremy (Tiff). He is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren; Alyssa, Alexis, Payton, Emma, Nathan, Jade, Preston, Vanessa, Charlotte, Hailey, Kaden, Zachary, Adriana, Hadley, Dylan, Haley, Ryan, and was the great-great grandfather of Maison, Aidan, Bryson, and Hailey. Brother of Henry, Minnie Lee, Mamie, Arlie, and Lutrell. A Memorial Visitation for James will be held Sunday, January 11th from 4-7pm, with an evening Memorial Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.Memorial donations are welcomed to Reverence Home Health & Hospice, 37650 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48036 or to ALS of Michigan, Inc., 24359 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48075.Please share memories of James at his memory book above.