James Michael Alexander

James Michael "Mike" Alexander, 57, of Abilene, entered heaven surrounded by his loving family on March 9, 2018 in Abilene. A beloved son, brother, father and friend, he impacted our community in many ways leaving a lasting legacy for friends and family. Visitation will be Monday, March 12, 5:00 - 6:30 PM at the home of Laurie and Bob Eagle. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 13 at 11:00 AM at The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Mike was born in Abilene, TX to James "Jim" Minor Alexander and Jerri Hills Alexander on August 30, 1960. He attended Abilene schools graduating from Cooper High School, Class of 1979. He completed his education at The University of Texas at Austin in 1983 with a BBA in Finance. His love for and knowledge of the land, wildlife and ranching made him an excellent managing partner for the family business, James M. Alexander and Company. Mike found great joy on the back of a horse or in his truck driving around the family ranches. He also took great pleasure in managing investments in oil and gas and real estate. But his far-surpassing joy was in his love and loyalty to his family. Mike was a Regional Director for First Financial Bank and Board Member for North Texas Certified Development Corporation. He was also active in civic affairs, serving as a Board Member and Executive Committee Member for the West Texas Rehabilitation Center (WTRC), a Trustee and Chairman of the Trustees for the WTRC Foundation, and Co-Chairman for Round Up for Rehab. He previously served on the Boards of West Central Texas Municipal Water District and Frontier Texas. Mike recently received the annual Billy Mac Commitment Award at the 2018 West Texas Rehabilitation Center Telethon, recognizing him for his years of dedication and service to the West Texas Rehab. He gave of his time and effort for decades and was heavily involved in special fund raisers and other events that have been crucial to the Rehab Center's success. Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Jerri Hills Alexander and his grandparents Minor and Ruth Guitar Alexander, and Walter B. Hills and Mildred and Bill Austin. Mike is survived by his father, Jim Alexander of Abilene; his two sons, Minor (Lexi) Alexander and Grant Alexander, both of Abilene; his daughter, Mary Ellen Alexander of Nashville, TN, and their mother, Suzanne Alexander of Abilene; two sisters, Laurie (Bob) Eagle, and Cathey (Rick) Weatherl, both of Abilene; two grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth and John Miles Alexander of Abilene and eight nieces and nephews. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Beckham, Phil Boone, Brad Cranford, Jay Henson, Monty Key, Dick McCaleb, Robert Montgomery, Eric Oliver, Chuck Rodgers, Glen Shedd, Ray Whitman and Trey Yarbrough. Memorials may be given to West Texas Rehabilitation Center or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the medical staff of Baylor T. Boone Pickens Cancer Center and Hospice of the Big Country for their heartfelt care of Mike and our family. We would also like to express our deepest thanks to our wonderful family of employees for your tremendous support during this difficult season.