James "Jim" Alexander, also known simply as "Alex," passed away Saturday afternoon at Franciscan East in Lafayette.  He was 72.

Alex served his country in the U.S. Army 9 ^th Infantry as a tank commander in Vietnam in '67 and '68.  He was awarded the Purple Heart and was an expert shot with any weapon, including a tank. He was a member of the American Legion and NRA.  He liked to travel and ride his Harley.  Most of all, he loved his family and adored his grandchildren.

Born Oct. 6, 1947 in Metcalfe, Kentucky, he was the son of James Alexander and Goldie Ferrell Alexander.  He graduated from Columbus South High School in 1965. He worked at R. R. Donnelley for 45 years.

Surviving family includes: two daughters, Anita Brown (Ryan) of New Richmond, Tesha Lester of Adel, Georgia; grandson, Riley Brown; granddaughters, Kesha Lester, Alesha Lester; three great-grandchildren,  Khloyee Wharff, Jocelyn Wharff and Serenity Fishero; brother, David Alexander (MaryAnn) of Southport; sister, Linda Coffenberry of Crawfordsville.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Betty Crabtree, Janie Craig, Edith Huddleston, Wanda Brumner and a brother, Howard Alexander.

There will be a visitation from 11 AM to 1 PM Wednesday at Burkhart Funeral Home.  Social distancing is expected and a limited number will be allowed to enter at a time.  There will be a family service at 1 PM, led by Pastor John Pettigrew, followed by interment at New Richmond Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Jim Alexander may be made to Church of Abundant Faith, c/o P.O. Box 185, New Richmond, IN 47967 or American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Ste. 1500, Chicago, IL 60604-1242.