Roll Call Tribute

James Lloyd Alexander 

February 18, 1950 - May 11, 2023 

James Lloyd Alexander was born on February 18, 1950, the third and youngest child and second son of Andy Renick and Ann Joyce (Mathis) Alexander in Austin, Texas, and was raised on a small ranch southeast of Austin. 

He graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor's Degree in 1972 and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1974, and received a Masters of Preventive Veterinary Medicine from the University of California at Davis CA in 1976; all received with honors. His degrees opened doors to a career in veterinary public health, first in California and then in Texas, Nebraska, and Colorado as a veterinarian and zoonotic disease epidemiologist. He enjoyed his work in both state and federal service as he always liked the investigative side of epidemiology. He was blessed with the ability to delve deeply into the mystery of disease trends that cropped up around the country and craft solutions to mitigate their impact on public health and he was good at it.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pam, and his two daughters, Katherine Van Saun and her husband Rod Van Saun, and their two children Zoe and Renick; as well as his second daughter Carrie Alexander. His brother Andy Alexander, and sister Sandra Joyce Holt also survive him along with many nieces and nephews and cousins. 

Jim enjoyed life and all that came to his door. His challenges faced with his cancer were met with determination and thoughtful research knowing we live finite lives and he was thankful for all who helped him weather the storm.