James Edward Alexander

He was born on July 17, 1945, in Columbia, North Carolina, delivered by a midwife to Mary Elizabeth Alexander and George Lee Hassell. He was raised in North Carolina and graduated from Tyrrell High School at the age of 17. From an early age, he demonstrated discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose that would guide him throughout his life.

James devoted 30 years of honorable service to the United States Army, retiring in 2005 at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). His military career included two tours in the Republic of Vietnam from 1967–1968 and again from 1971–1972. He served as both an entertainment specialist and physical activities specialist, roles in which he supported morale, wellness, and unity among his fellow soldiers.

For his faithful service to his country, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon. His legacy reflects honor, leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to his country and fellow service members.

To his family and friends, James was much more than his service. He was affectionately known as “Daddy,” “Pop Pop,” “Jimmy,” and “James Ed.” He was known for his powerful voice, often heard before he was seen, his humor, his strength, and his deep love of music. Though small in stature, he carried a larger-than-life presence, often described as having the voice of a trumpet and the aura of many men. He was playful, quick with a joke, and always ready to bring laughter into any room.

James had a lifelong passion for photography and videography, leaving behind a vast collection of family photos and videos that documented nearly a century of memories. He enjoyed dressing well and had a love for stylish, flashy cars. He was also known for his frugality among those closest to him.

He enjoyed attending church, spending time with his family, watching television, following tennis, dancing, listening to music, thrifting, admiring cars and watching Judge Judy. Above all, he valued connection, family, and the simple joys of life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Lee Hassell and Mary Elizabeth Alexander and siblings Barbara Jean Bacon (Maurice Bacon), Willie Rauls (Joan), Kenneth Rauls, and Terry Rauls.

He is survived by his siblings: Amos Rauls Jr. (Shirley) of Brunswick, Georgia; Kevin Rauls (Kim) of Brunswick, Georgia; Sheila Rauls; James “Spookie” Rauls (Lenora) of Jacksonville, Florida; Roberta Foreman Rauls of Jacksonville, Florida; Mary Ann Rauls of New Braunfels, Texas; Eva Mae Haywood-Rauls; and Joe Rauls of Kingsland, Georgia.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Monica Alexander (Patterson) of Raleigh and Renee Alexander (Knox) of Havelock. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren: Jealisia Webster (Metts) of Raleigh, Julian Alexander of Wendell, Mckinley Patterson IV (Maria Patterson) of Clayton, Mckenzie Patterson of Fort Riley, Nathan Knox of Havelock, and Angelique Knox of Havelock.

He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Mckinley Patterson V, Justus Metts, Journee Metts, and Melanie Patterson. In addition, he leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Born to humble beginnings, James Edward Alexander built a life defined by perseverance, dignity, and purpose. Through hard work, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to family, he created opportunities, established a lasting foundation, and set a powerful precedent for generations to come. His legacy is reflected not only in the life he built, but also in the paths his family has chosen to follow, most notably through his two grandchildren, McKinley Patterson IV and McKenzie Patterson, who proudly carried forward his example of service by serving in the United States Army.

Services will be held at Cotten Funeral Home in New Bern, North Carolina, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment with full military honors at 2:00 p.m. EDT at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

He will be remembered for his service, his laughter, his love of music, and the warmth he extended so freely to his family and all who knew him. His presence will be profoundly missed and his absence deeply felt, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to live on in the lives he shaped and the love he so faithfully gave.

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Alexander family.