James Liggett Alexander

  Jim was born in Houston, Texas. His family lived mainly in the Hill Country, Uvalde and Kerrville. He attended Starkey Elementary and graduated from Schreiner Military Institute in 1960. He joined the Marine Corps in January of 1960 and achieved the rank of Staff Sargent before his honorable discharge in June of 1966. Jim married Amelia (Amy) Tartaglia on November 19,1965.Jim attended Claremont Men’s College, now Claremont McKenna College, in Pomona California and graduated with a Bachler of Arts Degree. Jim had varied jobs including tar roofing as a teen, insurance adjuster, insurance sales, cactus garden laborer, and real estate sales. 

   He had his own business, Pennywise Property Management and excelled at property management for many years. Finally, he really enjoyed selling specialized water units. He retired in 2007 and enjoyed traveling. Jim is survived by his wife, Amy, of almost sixty years. They have two children: Mark (wife, Jolynn) Alexander and Jana (husband, Scott) Madrid. He has three grandsons: Xavier, Tristan and Mateo. Jim is also, survived by his brother, Jerome and many nieces and nephews.

  He was very active in his church, St. Francis of Assisi in Vista. Being a convert, for Confirmation, he chose the name Francis. He became a Knight of Columbus. He was a reader during Mass for many years and would greet   the congregation with. “Good morning all you beautiful people”.  Along with Amy, he was a Minister of the Eucharist for the altar and taking Holy Communion to those unable to attend Mass. He also spoke to young adult groups and to those entering the church. Together, he and his wife counseled couples for marriage preparation. He was a great witness for the Lord. About seventeen years ago Jim and Amy joined St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis Conference and became active in helping those in need in the greater Vista community. He was their spiritual leader for several years.

  Jim Alexander lived a life of commitment to his wife and family.  He had many friends who he valued as brothers and sisters in Christ. He led a life of faith, joy and laughter. He lived a life of loving and caring and being loved and valued as a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and a gentleman. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of St, Vincent de Paul, St. Francis Conference, 
525 W. Vista Way, Vista, CA. 92083 or to your favorite charity.

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