Rev. James Bennie Alexander

Family Beginnings

Bennie and Emma Lou (Tate) Alexander were united in marriage, beginning a journey filled with love and devotion that would shape their family for generations.

Early Life & Calling

James Bennie Alexander was born on November 19, 1943. Though preceded by a sibling who passed in infancy, James was the eldest living child of Bennie and Emma Lou Alexander. From a young age, James exhibited a precocious spirit, nurtured by the unwavering support of his parents. He was the byproduct of a praying mother who understood the “call” on his life. As a young child, he joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Louann, Arkansas.

Education & Ambition

He thrived academically, attending and graduating from Lafayette High School, where he laid the foundation for a bright future. Driven by ambition and a desire to provide for his family, James left his Arkansas roots and ventured to Flint, Michigan. There, he briefly worked at General Motors – Fisher Body, embracing the industrious spirit that defined his character.

Craftsmanship & Mentorship

While at GM, he was mentored by Mr. Walter, who introduced him to the art of cabinetry and carpentry—skills that would become a cornerstone of his legacy.

US Military Service & Mission

A proud veteran, Reverend Alexander honorably served in Panama with the United States Army during a time when the U.S. military’s central mission was the protection of the Panama Canal—a vital strategic passageway for global defense and commerce. Stationed near one of the most guarded transit zones of the Cold War era, his service reflected both personal courage and national duty. That experience deepened his commitment to discipline, unity, and purposeful leadership—qualities that would later shape the founding of the Marcus Kinte Burns Youth Activity Center, a haven for purposeful and nurturing guidance for children.

Grilling, Casting, and Competitive Spirit

His hobbies weren’t just pastimes—they were expressions of joy, bonding, and playful mastery. Mr. James Alexander brought fire to the grill and finesse to the fishing line. As a younger man, his playful competitiveness as an avid left-handed pool and card player left lasting memories across generations. His BBQ & smoked meats were legendary especially ribs, brisket and ham. His fishing trips—especially his last one shared with nephews—were full of joy.

Food, Fellowship & Family

Later in life, he channeled his passion for food and fellowship into a beloved BBQ stand, where he fed both bodies and spirits. It became a cherished space where laughter, storytelling, and soulful food united the community. Rumor has it, he gave away more dinners than he actually sold ... !

Builder & Entrepreneur

Founder of Alexander Construction Company, Mr. Alexander was a master builder licensed in carpentry, roofing, and millwork. He built more than homes—he built trust and care within every family and neighborhood he served in Michigan and Arkansas. With every beam raised and every nail driven, he took pride in building homes where families could gather to create laughter, connection and cherished memories.

Fatherhood & Devotion

On April 21, 1969, James became a father and named his son Arvin after his best friend Marvin Elliott. Arvin would later remind him, “You were the best father a son could ever ask for and heaven picked the perfect dad for me", and James beamed with pride at having fulfilled that sacred role.

Marriage & Spiritual Partnership

Reverend Alexander’s greatest earthly blessing came the day he met Sister Georgia—a radiant, God-fearing woman whose love and faith became his anchor. On June 22, 1981 the love birds celebrated more than four decades marriage. Their union served as a living testimony of divine partnership. joy, ministry, and unwavering devotion.

Bonus Children & Transformative Love

He embraced fatherhood again through a beloved bonus daughter he lovingly called “the best daughter ever”—a title she wears with pride, and he embraced with joy. And, in 1982, he was blessed with another son who they called Tommy. Oh, we remember the day Tommy's innocent boldness helped usher Reverend Alexander toward salvation. Family was always expanding in his heart including Paw Paw’s Greatest Joys, his grandchildren. Known affectionately as “Paw Paw,” he lavished wisdom, playfulness, and unconditional love on his grandchildren, declaring that they were daily reminders of God’s miracles in motion. He was blessed to have Kim, DeAundra, Jamarre, Jarad, and Georgette together to shower him with love each summer. God handpicked James to pour into the lives of Christian and Christopher who filled his heart with joy; while offering around the clock technology support.

Uncle to the Entire Village

He fulfilled a promise to his mother to care for his sisters—but his ministry of mentorship extended to generations of nieces, nephews, and beyond. His counsel was unfiltered, biblical, and always wrapped in love. Some call him reverend but we will always and forever refer to him as our beloved "Uncle James"

Ministry Beginnings, Faith Unlimited & Evangelistic Legacy

On December 30, 1990, under the leadership of Dr. C.L. Thompson, Deacon Alexander delivered his first sermon at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. That day, his wife Georgia sang a solo, and Master Tommy Alexander gave the welcome—marking a holy spirit-filled beginning. He pastored his first church in Hope Arkansas and also pastored a church in Gurdon, Arkansas. In 1997, Reverend Alexander founded Faith Unlimited Outreach Ministries, answering Christ’s call to “make disciples of all nations.” His church embraced outreach, evangelism, and heartfelt service beyond its walls. On his 80th birthday, November 19, 2023, Reverend James Alexander delivered his final sermon from the Zion Hill M.B. pulpit, still full of fire, faith, and purpose.

Those He Loved & Leaves Behind: Bonds that shaped his journey and carry his legacy forward

Reverend Alexander leaves behind his loving wife Sister Georgia Alexander of Camden, Arkansas; children: Arvin (Latara) Alexander of Grand Prairie, TX; Tommy (NaTasha) Alexander of Irving, TX; and Betty Townson (Brian Sprinkles) of Los Angeles, CA. He is lovingly remembered by siblings Gloria Dean (Daniel) Woods of Flint, Michigan; Patsy Burns of Louann, AR; Hattie Alexander of Arlington, TX; May Hellen Colen of Flint, MI; and in-laws Eddie James Williams of Camden, AR; Lisa Patton of Houston, TX; and Dorothy Mae Washington of Overton, TX along with 9 cherished grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, in-laws, a host of "favorite" nieces and nephews, his caregivers and his lifelong friend: Tommy “Boy Boy” Gordon Jr.—a friend for over 80 years.

He now joins in eternal rest loved ones who preceded him in death: his parents Bennie and Emma Lou Alexander; brothers: Robert Alexander and Donald Gene Alexander; beloved nephews Michael “Pookie” Rogers; Jaylan Willis, and Marcus K. Burns; Granddaughter Zarya Alexander; and treasured friends Jimmy Faye Elliott and Marvin Elliott.

Farewell & Transition

With multiple generations of his family with him praying and praising God as he closed his eyes with the final voice of his lovely wife Sister Georgia Alexander, Reverend James Bennie ‘Billy Boy’ Alexander passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas, surrounded by family. In God’s perfect timing, at exactly 3:33 PM, guided by the love and prayers of his family, he was ushered into the safe arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He leaves behind a legacy built on faith-filled leadership, skilled hands that shaped communities, and a heart devoted to lifting others. His memory will continue to inspire all who were touched by his extraordinary life—a life well-lived in service to others.

We carry your stories. We speak your name. We live your values. We love you. You built more than homes—you built us.

Submitted by the Alexander Family