James Alfred Alex

James Alfred Alex, retired decorated United States Air Force veteran left his home where he resided in Austin Texas and departed to his last duty station to his Eternal Heavenly home at age 72, on Friday, June 20, 2014. He honorably served in the Korean and Vietnam War during his time in the United States Air Force. Born in Beaumont Texas, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend who loved the great outdoors, fishing and hunting. He was a proud member of the Masons and Shriners.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Ivory Alex, Sr. and Ernestine Lottie Jones Alex; brother, Harvey Ivory Alex, Jr.; sister-in-law, Paulette Paul Samuel; Laray Owens Taylor lifelong friend he served with in Vietnam.

James is survived by his loving wife of 45 amazing years, Clydia Samuel Alex; daughters, Charmain Alex Johnson, Stefanie Alex Saenz and husband Miguel; brother-in-law, Lutcher Rusaw Samuel, Jr. and wife Gloria; sister-in-law, Elois Graham Alex; grandchildren, Jace, Brea, Jaela and Jonathon Johnson, and Diego, Olivia and Audrey Saenz; great-grandchild, Justin Johnson; nephews and niece, Keith Alex, LaDonna Alex Wynn and husband Steve, Lutcher Rusaw Samuel III and wife Shannon, and Walter Alex Samuel; great niece and nephew, Paulette and Logan Samuel; and other relatives.

Visitation service will be held at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress in Austin, Texas on Thursday, June 26, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral Services to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 10:00 am at the Funeral Home Chapel. A procession will depart at 12:30 p.m. to Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas where he will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors at 2:30 p.m.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I've found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life's been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

The Alex family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, cards, flowers and other acts of kindness during our loved one's short medical journey. Your kindness and expression of love will always be remembered.

The family also wishes to thank all of the caregivers who assisted in James's care: the team of doctors, nurses and staff at St. David's South Austin Medical Center.

A very special thank you to Pastor R.E. Foster and Assistant Pastor G. Newbill for their wonderful hospitality.