James Alexander

BERKSHIRE - James Leon Alexander, age 80 years, of Berkshire VT passed away peacefully at the UVM Medical Center on December 22, 2024 surrounded by his family after a brave battle with cardiovascular disease.

He was born on November 29, 1944 in Barton, VT to Edward and Beverly (Turnbull) Alexander. James was a devoted son, caring for his parents and their home in Orleans for many years. Like his father, James was a history buff. He was a gifted storyteller and he loved telling humorous anecdotes and stories about his Alexander and Turnbull families to family and friends.

James graduated from Orleans High School where he met the love of his life, Beverley Alger. After high school, James graduated from Norwich University with a degree in Science and became an officer in the US Army. They were stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky and Furth, Germany. After his military postings, James was hired by Carroll Hull as a science teacher at Richford High School. He is remembered fondly by many former coworkers and students as a caring, compassionate educator.

After working summers for the United States Customs Service, James switched careers and began working full time as an inspector. He took great pride in keeping our borders safe. When his children were young, they often stared out the window, waiting for him to come home. The words "Dad is home" sent everyone to the door to greet him. He made everything more fun. James enjoyed interacting with all the people crossing into the border daily. He eventually became a supervisor, the firearms instructor and acting port director before retiring in 2004.

James and Beverley also moved to Berkshire, Vermont in 1973 and began raising and breeding Lippitt Morgan horses. James became an important member of this group that is dedicated to preserving this special group of Morgans. His well-written articles about the breed were renowned among Lippitt owners. He loved the opportunity to talk about horses with fellow breeders every summer at the Lippitt Country Show. Most of all, he loved looking out at his beautiful view of Jay mountain with his wife and dog Tipper at his side.

James was an attentive and affectionate father and grandfather. A lifelong athlete and sports fan, James also loved watching his children and later his grandchildren compete on the field and on the court. A lifelong golfer, James enjoyed playing golf at the Richford Country Club, especially with his son, Teddy. James enjoyed watching European soccer in his favorite chair when his son and grandson visited.

James was admired for his generosity, his patriotism and for his sense of humor. He liked everyone regardless of status, wealth or past mistakes. Left to cherish James' memory are his beloved wife of 58 years, Beverley (Alger), his children Jo Laggis of Colchester, VT and James Alexander and his wife Lyn of Adams, MA. James was so proud of his 4 grandchildren, Alexandra Laggis Pooler and her husband Brandon, his namesake, Jimmy Alexander, Kelly Laggis and Colton Laggis and 3 step-grandchildren, Jake, Ashlee and Justin Meczywor. James is also survived by his brother Stephen Alexander and his wife Robbi, his sister Mary Harper, his brother-in-law David Alger and his wife Nancy, his sister-in-law Cheryl Holton and her husband Rick Perkins, his late mother-in-law's husband, Bruno Labounty, his aunt Jean Hinson and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, James was predeceased by his mother-in law, Leona Alger who he affectionately called "Gertie, his sister-in-law Sandra White Alexander, his nephews William Nathan Alexander and Jeremy Holton and his great-nephew Benjamin Clapp.

The family would like to thank all of the nurses and physicians at both NMC and UVMMC for his care during his illness. Also, to his neighbors, James and Amanda Salisbury, Pete and Carole Lucia and Richard Godin for all of their acts of kindness over the years.

A private memorial service for his family will be held in the spring at Irasburg Cemetery and a public service at a later date. For those who wish, contributions may be made to Live Life Like Ben at benjaminjeremyclappfund.com, a foundation that supports young athletes in memory of Benjamin Clapp, his great-nephew.

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