Jimmie Maurice Alford

Jimmie Maurice Alford, born February 5, 1936, at Magnet Cove, Arkansas, entered into the rest of the Lord Jesus Christ on April 2, 2014. He was the son of Maurice "Buck" and Selma Mitchell Alford. Jim grew up in Magnet Cove and Hot Springs and attended the University of Arkansas, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1957, at which time he was commissioned in the US Army Reserve in field artillery. In 1960 he completed studies for a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Jim served the public as an Engineer with the Arkansas State Health Department, the cities of North Little Rock and Hot Springs, and the Arkansas State Parks Department. In 1974 he opened his own firm as a registered Professional Engineer, Alford Engineering Company and Southwest Testing Labs, serving municipalities and private clients in Arkansas and Oklahoma until his retirement, which, of course, never meant complete retirement. Jim was a faithful member of Hot Springs Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher, and he also gladly partnered with Gideons International to share his all-time favorite Book with others. A lifetime member of the American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation, Jim also held memberships in the national and state Societies of Professional Engineers. He was a member of the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineers and the Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity. He proudly served for forty-nine years on the board of the Baptist Health Medical Center and had the lapel pins to prove it. He was also a member of the founding board of First Step School. Jim was a member of the University of Arkansas Alumni Association and Razorback Foundation and remained a committed fan of the Hogs despite the slings and arrows associated with that dedication. Jim was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Joy Pollard Alford, since their marriage on June 16, 1957. He loved his children and grandchildren and was tirelessly devoted to their education and success. During a lifetime of encouragement and support, Jim developed an unabashed and effusive pride in his little clan and made sure you knew how blessed he believed he was. We owe him more than we could repay. Jim is survived by his lovely wife Joy, his daughter, Monica Avery and husband Randy of Rogers, Ark., and son Dr. Gregg Alford and wife Donna of Hot Springs; his grandchildren, Dr. Andrew Avery, Tyler Avery and wife Leah, Lauren Alford, and Katherine Alford; his brothers, Mitchell Alford of Weaverville, N.C., Jerome Alford and wife Linda of Marion, Ark., and sister-in-law Charlotta Houser of Portageville, MO; niece, Marla Alford of Marion, Ark., and nephew, Hadi Alford of Weaverville, N.C., niece Pam Blackiston and husband Fil, with son Steven, of Malden, Mo., and niece, Kim Peel and husband Mark, with daughters, Rebecca and Sarah, of New Madrid, Mo. He was predeceased by his father and mother, Maurice and Selma Alford, and his sister, Lola Mae Alford. Jim took his final breath at home holding Joy's loving hand, just like he wanted to, before passing through the veil. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, University of Arkansas civil engineering, Our Promise Cancer Resources, and the American Cancer Society. Visitation 5-7 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2014 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hot Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Price Cemetery. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.