Palmer “Alvin” James,77, of Monticello, sadly left us on Friday, March 22, 2024, at The Woods Nursing Home in Monticello. He was born on December 11, 1946 in Monticello to the late Blackwell James and Audrey Haynes James. He was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church in Monticello.
He was retired from Willbros Pipeline Company in Houston, Texas after 30 years as a Welding Superintendent who loved his job. He was known by his employees as A.J. Work took him all over the United States and to other countries. Throughout his traveling he made many life-long friends.
Alvin’s hobbies in his younger years included calf roping, but later in life he transformed his hobbies to be involved and included in his two children, Shawn’s and Cody’s lives. His love for animals led him into many livestock endeavors including a cattle business. He was able to live a dream of being a professional tie down roper; what a dream. Cody, his son made it for him. He was proud of him and all of his accomplishments. His daughter, Shawn was only a call or text away. They loved to spend time together on the back porch, it never mattered how many times she heard the same story she always loved hearing it again.
Alvin enjoyed spending time in his shop, where he proudly displayed all his collections of memorabilia on all four walls. In his shop with lots of hard work he restored a 1970 Dodge pick-up truck that was previously owned and operated by his dad (known as Salty). Throughout this endeavor he had a personal sharing for keeping certain moments alive in memory of his dad and referred to Matthew 5:13.
Throughout his life he was a loving husband, dad, and papaw. Alvin lived his life following the values instilled in him of faith, honesty, hard work, and fair treatment to all. He was a great friend to all who had the honor to have known him. His dedication and love to his family was without measure. He always reminded his two children that the kitchen door doesn’t revolve, running the heat is costly and wages of a welder are sinfully low.
Alvin met the love of his life, Irma, and married her and they were married for 57 years. He was dearly loved by his family and friends far and near and will be greatly missed.
In 1967 he enlisted in the Army National Guard and was assigned to the 1122nd Transportation Unit in Monticello. He was a 32nd Degree Mason.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Debbie Cunningham.
Survivors include wife, Irma Lasiter James of Monticello; daughter, Shawn James Harrison (Bobby) of White Hall; son, Cody Alvin James (Layne) of Monticello; five grandchildren, Anna, Gracie, Bobby, Jr., Knox and Amri and six great-grandchildren; Rebekah, Raven, Bo, Harry, Andrew and Boston.
Funeral service was held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Frazer’s Funeral Home. Burial was in Union Ridge Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Second Baptist Church; 1032 Old Warren Rd; Monticello, AR 71655.
