SMSgt. Alverson

SMSgt James Ellie Alverson, USAF, Ret, age 73, of Biloxi, passed away on June 15, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
His military career took him to Goodfellow, TX, Misawa, Japan, Kelly, TX, Karamursel, Turkey, and Keesler AFB, MS. James retired as an Instructor for the Keesler AFB 1st Sgt Academy in 1984. He founded the Misawa AFB, Japan Honor Guard and was instrumental in the 1st Misawa USAFSS reunion in Biloxi. After his retirement, he was a collision repair mgr and Fixed Ops Director at multi Chevrolet dealerships in San Antonio, TX. After his first bout of cancer in 2000, he returned to Biloxi where he continued his love of corvettes and restoring antique cars. He was active in the MS Gulf Coast Corvette Club and worked many Crusin the Coast events.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Lewis Alverson; his mother, Jewel Alverson Vandiver; 2 sisters, Robbie Lewis (Billy) White, Hilda Faye (Doyle) Summerford, and his beloved Pug "boy" Boogre.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Wanda Faye Irvin Alverson; his children, John Lewis Alverson, Deborah Kaye Alverson, and Lola Ann (Thomas J.) Gruich; his siblings, Gin (Jimmy) Tibbett, Brenda (Bobby Joe) Irvin, Cathey (Leslie) Spann, Mike (Judy) Vandiver, and Janice Jones; 6 grandchildren, James Alverson, Bradley Alverson, Max Gruich, Luke Gruich, Shiann Nichols, and Charlie Nichols; a great-granddaughter, Dahlia Alverson; other relatives and friends; and his beloved Pug "boys", Louie and Dudley. The family would like to thank Dr. Wright and staff from Keesler Hospital and Kar-In-Home Hospice staff, Abbey, Jamie, and Brittany, for their compassionate care of their loved one.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 19 2017, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi. A prayer service will be held at 1:30 pm in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com