James Lawrence Alexander's Obituary
James Lawrence Alexander
June 4, 1950 - February 20, 2024
James “Lawry” Alexander was born to Doyle and Geraldine Alexander in Borger, Texas on June 4, 1950. Jim went the way of all the earth on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, and passed on from this life at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Jim grew up in the oil fields of the Texas panhandle and was the son of an Air Force pilot. Jim was the youngest of three boys, growing up alongside his brothers Dean and Alan Alexander. Like Dean and Alan, Jim attended Borger High School where he played football and baseball for the Bulldogs. In 1968, Jim graduated from Borger High School and went on to continue his education at West Texas State and Texas Tech University, where he studied accounting. After college, Jim found himself working in what he knew best, the oil and gas industry. In the late 1970s, his career brought him to Tulsa, Oklahoma, working for Amerada Hess. It would be there that Jim would meet his bride of almost 46 years, Sherri Cox. After a three-month courtship, they knew they were meant for each other and were married in Tulsa, Oklahoma at TU’s Sharp Chapel on May 27, 1978.
Just like it did not take long for Jim and Sherri to tie the knot, it did not take long for them to announce the birth of their first child, Jeremy Lawrence Alexander, who was born on December 29, 1979. A few short years later, Jim and Sherri introduced their second child, this time a baby girl, Katy Beth Alexander, born on February 11, 1984. Family meant the world to Jim and he made sure he was always there for them. Despite never playing himself, Jim became the quintessential soccer dad. Starting as a volunteer coach, he would find himself both coaching his son and also refereeing soccer games on the weekends. More often than not, family vacations were extensions of the many soccer tournaments. His involvement in soccer would not stop there, as he would become a true jack of all soccer trades and began managing one of Tulsa’s local indoor soccer facilities. The long nights of soccer events and practices would usually end with a stop at Chimi’s Mexican restaurant for dinner, a family favorite to this day, where Jim would humiliate his kids by attempting (poorly) to order his meal in Spanish. One of the reasons Jim loved this time in his life was because it meant time with his family, the one thing he cherished the most.
Jim worked as a landman for nearly 50 years. As the oil and gas industry continually shifted, Jim found himself working for several prominent companies, including Amerada Hess, Unit Petroleum, Phillips Petroleum, Midwest Energy, and Crown Petroleum to name a few. In the last 10 years of his career, Jim was able to do what many dream of, working for himself as an independent contracted landman primarily offering his services to Oil Capital.
As a proud Texan, Jim grew up rooting for America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys. His other sports allegiance was rooted when his brother Dean left home to play football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. This fandom was solidified when his son Jeremy decided to pursue his education at the home of America’s Brightest Orange. He never missed watching a game. Jim’s hobbies included working on anything mechanical, woodworking, grilling, and meticulously doing yard work. Jim loved making sure his lawn was pristine, a passion he would pass on to his son. After a day of working in the yard, he would love to fire up the Hasty Bake to cook burgers and steaks. Jim was known for his delicious thick and juicy burgers. In his later years, Jim cherished becoming a Papa and playing with his grandkids (Asher, Addi, and Everett). He always looked forward to his family’s annual 4th of July trips to Grand Lake, especially enjoying the air and fireworks shows that the day would bring. But what he loved most was that all the family was there together.
Jim is survived by his wife Sherri; his brother Alan Alexander (and wife Lynn); his sister-in-law Connie Alexander; his sister-in-law Cindy Alexander; his son Jeremy Alexander (and wife Sarah); his daughter Katy Whiteley (and husband Curtis); grandchildren Asher Whiteley, Addison Whiteley, and Everett James Whiteley; nephews Denny Alexander, Drew Alexander, Greg Alexander and Ryan Alexander; niece Anna Walker; and countless friends and former co-workers.
As we say goodbye to Jim and tell him we love him, we know he is responding with his signature, “I love you more.”
Graveside service will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, March 1st, Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, Garden of St Paul.
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