James Robert Alley

Bob, as he was known all of his adult life, was born in Atlanta Georgia, the youngest of 9 brothers and sisters. His Mother was Sara Gertrude McLarty and his Father was Harold Augustus Alley. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters.

He started playing the guitar at age 13, and continued playing all of his life, he played professionally for 50+ years. He joined the Navy in 1949 at the age of 18 and was stationed in San Diego, CA for 5 years, Honorably discharged in 1954. He met his first wife Roberta Anice Leathers while playing a gig with a couple of his navy buddies at the Church of the Nazarene in San Diego. They had two children Thomas Robert Alley born 1950 and Terry Lee Alley born 1954. Roberta died in 1960 and Bob carried the burden of raising two children alone, while working a day job and playing music at night while Grandma Phillips watched us kids.

Bob met Lorraine French in 1961, she had been divorced and had a son Steven Douglas French, also born 1950 and was a single parent like Bob. They met at a Parents Without Partners (PWP) barbecue event and began seeing each other more often. They fell in love and married April 21, 1962, combining two families into one to the great delight of all involved. They were married for 58 years as of Bob’s passing and had a wonderful life together, full of friendship, music, travel, family, love and laughter.

Bob taught Steve how to play guitar when he was 12 and mentored him towards a lifelong love of playing guitar and performing music that he continues to this day.

Bob is survived by his wife Lorraine, his son Tom, and Tom’s wife Joan, his daughter Terry and his stepson Steve and Steve’s wife Luanna. Bob is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who all miss him dearly.

A Memorial service will be held when this pandemic is over and it is safe once again to gather. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to support all of our front line workers in your neighborhood.

”Due to the current COVID protocols for Sac/Placer/El Dorado County, guests must wear protective masks at all times while inside the funeral home facility and practice the recommended six foot social distancing.”