James ‘Jim’ Clarence AlfordSYRACUSE – James Clarence Alford, known to most as "Jim," passed away at home in Maitland, Fla., on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. He was a longtime resident of Syracuse.
Born in Huntington, on May 20, 1934, Jim was the son of the late Russell T. Alford and Zelda H. Schoeff Alford. He spent his formative years there, graduating from Huntington Township High School with the class of 1952. He was a natural athlete, playing basketball, baseball and running track. He served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958, transferring to the Army Reserves before he was honorably discharged. Jim worked as a radio repairman while serving.
Following his service to the country, Jim attended Ball State University, earning a master's degree in industrial arts. He went on to teach industrial arts classes, spending more than 34 years in the classroom, much of which was with Wawasee School Corporation. He also kept his thumb on athletics, especially track where he was the starter, firing the shot to start the race and coaching Little League; his heart was always in basketball where he was varsity score keeper for more than 48 years.
Personally, Jim is remembered for his love of family, his good sense of humor, his love of family, his ability to know seemingly everyone (he was quite social) and his love of family. His love for his family was surpassed only by his love for the Lord; Jim was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Florida and Calvary United Methodist Church in Indiana.
Married to Joan Gordon on Aug. 3, 1956, the pair shared more than 66 years together; Joan survives. Also surviving are son, Steve (Sherri) Alford, of Athens, Ala.; daughter, Ann (Michael) Heiny, of Winter Park, Fla.; grandson, Jim Heiny, of Winter Park, Fla.; and sister, Barb (Gene) Biberstein, of Bluffton. He was preceded in passing by two sisters, Sonja Holloway and Nancy Rice; and brother, Jack Alford.
Titus Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, is entrusted with Jim's care. Visitation will be held there on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, on Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in McClintic Cemetery, Syracuse.
Memorial gifts are appreciated to Calvary United Methodist Church or to Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, P.O. Box 548, Syracuse, IN 46567.
