James Julius Alexander

James Julius Alexander, age 93, passed away unexpectedly on November 4, 2018 at his home.  He was born on December 4, 1924 and was the son of the late Leonard L. and Martha Bridges Alexander.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Charles L. Alexander and Dwight  L. Alexander, also of Kings Mountain.

James worked in the parts department at Plonk Ford Co. in Kings Mountain and at the Mercury dealership in Gastonia.  For many years he was the parts manager at Victory Chevrolet Co. in Kings Mountain before becoming the owner/operator of City Ice, Coal, and Fuel Company, also in Kings Mountain.

A veteran of WWII, James attended Embry Riddle School of Aviation and served in the US Army Air Corp where he was a member of the Cold Weather Test Detachment stationed at Ladd Field in Fairbanks, Alaska.  He was a talented baseball  player and was a member of the Kings Mountain High School 1941 State Championship Baseball Team and later played on the base team at Bolling Air Field in Washington, D.C.  He enjoyed golf, gardening, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and especially enjoyed watching Tar Heel football, basketball, and baseball.

James is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Marjorie Carpenter Alexander and daughters Libby (Roger) Putnam and Janet (Terry) Edwards of Kings Mountain; grandchildren Laura (Reid) Evans of Stanley, James (Sarah) Putnam of Dallas, Susan Putnam of Kings Mountain, Stephanie (Tyler) Greenwood of Charlotte, Emily (Yuuki)Nishiyama of Mt. Holly, and Alex (Hogan) Sellers of Kings Mountain; great-grandchildren Zoe, Kara, and Erin Evans, Russell and Catherine Putnam, Beckham Nishiyama, and Joanna Greenwood;  many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Alexander was a lifetime member of Central United Methodist Church in Kings Mountain where a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 8, 2018.  Preceding the service will be burial with military rites  at Mountain Rest Cemetery in Kings Mountain at 10:30 AM, and visitation at the church from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM.  Harris Funeral Home in Kings Mountain is in charge of the arrangements.