James William "The Old Man" Alexander

James “The Old Man” William Alexander, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in his home in New Ulm, Texas. Born January 15, 1942, to parents William Louis Alexander and Emma Dean Harrell in Eunice, Louisiana. It was in Eunice where he met Jeanel Joy Deshotels. They were married on June 4, 1960, at St. Landry Catholic Church in Mamou, Louisiana. Together, they were parents to James Robert “Bobby” Alexander and Christine Powell. After moving to Texas while working in the Oilfield business, working up from roughneck to supervising and running drilling rigs, the Old Man became owner and operator of C & J Pump and Vacuum Service. After the oil field business, he operated a tire recycling operation.

James and Jeanel enjoyed “RVing” and would meet up with their Cajun relatives to travel to several states.

James is survived by his wife, Jeanel, his son James Robert (Bobby) Alexander and wife Cyndi of Bellville, Tx, daughter Christine Powell and husband Art of Houston, Tx.,

2 grandchildren, Nicole Cody and husband Travis, of Mico, Tx, and Vincent Alexander and wife Camille of Temple, Tx, 5 great-grandchildren, his sister, Jean Watford, of Jennings, Louisiana, and nephew, Jimmie Mullican, of New Ulm, Tx.

Preceding him in death were his parents William Lewis and Emma Dean Alexander, sister, Bertha M. Alexander, and brother Johnny Ray Alexander

The Old Man was as rough and tough as they come throughout his entire life. He enjoyed playing Pac-Man, mowing grass, his dogs, and cats, drinking coffee in the morning with the town regulars, and just being with family and friends.

Although he worked hard every day, covered in sweat, grease, and oil, he really loved his family and was a very caring man. He always told us to put him in a “wooden box and push him down the hill” and that time has come.

The “Old Man “was like a cat with nine lives. We believe he was on #13, but this time he was not so lucky. He will be missed greatly but we have faith that with his negotiation skills and hell-bent determination, he will enter the kingdom of Heaven.