James Ellis Alkire

James Ellis “Jim” Alkire, 68, of Niles, died peacefully Saturday, February 15, 2025 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began October 9, 1956 in Queens, New York, the oldest of two children born to James and Alta Alkire. He married Deborah M Cecil October 9, 1976 in Columbus, Ohio. 

Jim loved chickens, dogs and all sorts of animals. Jim wanted his border collie, Jules, so much that he bought a new truck (in Pennsylvania) just to make sure he could bring his dog home. He loved his vegetable garden and greenhouse and was proud of his 8-foot tomato plants. He was always on the lookout for llamas to bring into the family. In his spare time, he had a passion for gold prospecting and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren while doing it. He “pretended” to fish; he would love to spend hours on the river but would never have any luck. Jim started as a mechanic in Columbus, Ohio and ended his career as a store manager at Fred’s Transmission in Mishawaka, Indiana. 

Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-eight years, Debbie Alkire of Niles; his beloved little girl dog, Jules; one daughter, Erin (Frank) Ivy of Galion, Ohio; three sons, James “Bo” Alkire, Jeremy Alkire, Matthew (Nicole) Alkire, all of Niles; fifteen grandchildren, Alexis (Zac) Phillips, Faith (Donavan) Alkire, Caleb Alkire, Destiny "NeNe Bug" Alkire, Jaden (Jackson) Rey, Ethan Alkire, Nickolas Alkire, Chloie Alkire, Cameron Alkire, Kaden Alkire, Matthew “Dude” Alkire, Karson Alkire, Reese Alkire, Alissa Alkire, Alivia Alkire; four great-grandchildren, Theo, Silas, Raven, Jazmyn and one on the way; sister, Glenda Baldwin; nieces, Crystal (Stephen) Planck, Elizabeth “Izzy” Planck; nephews, Charley Baldwin and Jonathan (Alexandria) Baldwin as well as their children Aleaha, Sofia, and Noah; and close friend Joe Easterling.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Hazel “Nana” Cecil; and brother-in-law, Charley Baldwin.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles. A funeral service will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home. 

Jim will be laid to rest Monday, February 24, 2025 at 9:00 am in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, 61453 M-51, Niles, Michigan 49120. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.