Milledgeville, Georgia - James Everette Alford, 78, a long-time resident of Baldwin County, recently of Ellijay, Georgia, passed away on Nov. 7th, 2024 after a long battle with multiple chronic diseases.

James was born on April 12, 1946 in Sparta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everette "Newt" Alford and Lucy Mae Sloan Alford, as well as his faithful canine companion of 14 years, Lacy.

James served in the Georgia National Guard as a young adult. He began working for the Milledgeville Telephone Company, GTE, then Alltel, at the age of 19. He spent 41 years as a dedicated employee before retiring in 2006, when he and his wife, Joan, embarked on the adventure of moving to Maine. Even though living far away, James maintained his friendships with his Alltel group. After only one year, they moved back to middle Georgia due to extreme weather and missing his friends and family.

James and Joan lived in several different Georgia homes throughout Milledgeville, Gray and Forsyth. Each one had a shop for James to work on his projects. Together, he and Joan enjoyed home renovations, and he passed those skills onto his stepdaughter, Lindsey.

James loved the family's annual trips to various beaches. Although he never got in the ocean, he loved to see it, smell it and listen to the waves. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play ball and would travel long distances to see their games.

James enjoyed cooking and liked to feed a crowd, although he left the entertaining part to Joan. He continued to listen to the music of his youth, playing only 1960s music in the house and his truck.

James was a quiet man, but when he did speak, it was always something worth listening to. His faith remained strong throughout his life, and he was ready to make this journey to be with God for eternity.

James is survived by his wife of 29 years, Joan Deremer Alford; son, Christopher Alford (wife, Leslie), and their children, Nathan, Justin (wife, Riley) and Ashlyn; son, Jason Alford; stepdaughter, Lindsey Dumas (husband, Matt McKay); stepdaughter, Mallory Downing (husband, Rob), and their children, Madeline and Grace. Other survivors include his sister, Frances Alford Joyner, and his aunt, Rosa Lee Sloan McCant.

The family will receive guests to remember James' life on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 between 10 a.m. and noon at Twin Lakes Physical Therapy (641 W. Thomas St., Milledgeville).

Moores Funeral Home & Crematory has charge of arrangements.