James Earl Alexander

James Earl Alexander, 87, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026.

Growing up in Ruston, LA, he graduated from Ruston High School, where he played football and was a member of the band and choir. He then earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. Notably, before both high school and college games, Earl would perform the National Anthem wearing his football uniform.

During his time at Louisiana Tech, Earl met his future wife, Pam; they fell in love and, in 1964, married before moving to Sulphur, where he began teaching at W.W. Lewis. The following year, Earl started his career in Dequincy as a beloved music teacher, football coach, and principal. He always looked fondly back on his years serving the Dequincy community and enjoyed telling stories about his choir, which consistently earned superior ratings at local and state music festivals. Earl's dedication to music education was further reflected in his service as District Director and State President at LMEA. He concluded his career as Supervisor of Music for Calcasieu Parish, and during this period, was inducted into the LMEA Hall of Fame. Earl also shared his musical talents as a member, soloist, and director of many church choirs.

The impact Earl left on the people around him-because of who he was and all he contributed-is immeasurable.

He is preceded in death by his parents, J.C. Alexander and Dorris Arnold Alexander; his brother and sister-in-law, Norris Wayne Alexander and Louise Alexander; his sister, Pam Alexander Carrico; and brother-in-law, Richard Williams.

Today, Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Pam Alexander; his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Jaimee Alexander; his daughter, Elizabeth Alexander; his grandchildren, Dawson Alexander, Andrew Alexander, John David Alexander, Caitlyn Richard, Bryce Richard, and James Preston Richard; his great-grandchild, Landry Richard; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Margaret Alexander; his sister, Diane Williams; and countless nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Johnson Funeral Home chapel in Lake Charles. Dr. Darryl Jones and Rev. Charles Langford will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until the start of the service. Inurnment in Consolata Cemetery will take place at a later date.