James Marion, son of Francis Marion and Mary Seaman Alexander, was born in Maysville, Mason county, Kentucky, February 28, 1875, and went to meet his Lord, February 2, 1934, in Hutchinson, Kan., aged 58 years, 11 months and 4 days.At the age of 17 years he came to Kansas and made that state his home until he went to his reward. He was married April 27, 1899 to
Marguerite F. Ruff , of Maize, Kan.He was converted at the age of nineteen and dedicated his life to the ministry of the Gospel of Christ. He was ready for ordination as an Elder in the United Brethren Church, when he transferred to the Southwest Kansas Conference of the Methodist Church and was ordained as a Deacon by Bishop Henry Spellmeyer in 1908. Three years later he received his ordination as an Elder at the hands of Bishop Nelson.
He was a builder, a financier, an evangelist and pastor in the true sense of the word. He delighted to call upon the members of his flock and cheer and encourage them; loved the young people and children and planned for their development and enjoyment, but his chief delight was in building and delivering sermons.
He organized the first church in Wilmore and it was while pastor of the Methodist Church there 34 years later that God sent his angels to bear him to his eternal home on their pinions.
He leaves to miss his sunny smile and loving presence, his wife, and five sons; Rev. Marion J. of Radium, Kansas; Clyde W. of Pawnee Rock; Virgil V., of Coldwater; Harold E. of Hutchinson; and LaVere of Wilmore; four grandchildren, and two sisters; Mrs. Fannie Williams of Dayton, Ohio, and Mrs. Mattie Farney of Hutchinson, Kan.
The funeral services were held in First Church, Hutchinson, February 5, and were conducted by Revs. E. W. Freeman, I. D. Harris, J. Q. Turner, J. W. Irwin, Chas. D. Whitman and Claude M. Gray. Prof. Erie Faber sang two hymns that were the favorites of Mr. Alexander, "It Is Well With My Soul," and "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Snyder. The pallbearers were chosen from among his brethren of the conference. Interment was made in the beautiful Memorial Park of Hutchinson.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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