James Alan Ware

Alexandria, VA — (Ret) James Alan Ware, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Alexandria Hospital after a brief illness. 

Mr. Ware is survived by his beloved wife, Jeanne Ware, stepdaughter, Crystal Mroz and husband, Gerald Mroz; five daughters: Debra Ware, Janet Bennett and husband Mel Bennett, Rebecca Yarbrough and husband Michael Yarbrough, Mary Castaneda and husband Ruben Castaneda, and Pamela Ware. He also leaves behind two step grandchildren, MacKenzie Johnson and Jack Johnson; five grandchildren, Ben Bennett, Janelle Bennett, James Bennett, Rachel Castaneda, and great grandchild, Pierce Bennett; sister, Jeannine Macaluso; and nieces and nephews, Phillip Macaluso, Jr., Kay LeBouef, Michael Macaluso and Vincent Macaluso. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Nell Ware, stepdaughter, Cynthia Johnson, brother-in-law, Phillip Macaluso, Sr., and his first wife, Dorothy Ware. 

He was born in Detroit, Michigan, and later moved as a child with his family to New Orleans Louisiana.  He was a 1953 Graduate of Warren Easton Charter High School.

James served over 22 years in the U.S. Army. He was a Veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal and the Code of Conduct medal. He was proud of serving his country and being an American, and a Vet, and will be remembered for his storytelling at his favorite Old Town hangouts. He was affectionately known for being the pedestrians’ friend, keeping tourists and drivers in line at crosswalks. He knew Old Town like the back of his hand such as his favorite places Murphy’s Irish Pub, Pat Troy’s, Joe Thiemann’s, among many other neighborhood stops.

After retiring from the U.S. Army, he worked as a government contractor for several years, and retired in March 2000 from Pentagon Federal Credit Union in Old Town, Alexandria as a Forms Analyst. He graduated with honors in the early 1970’s with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. 

Visitation will be held this Saturday, July 28, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home & Cremations, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302, and will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with honors at a future time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests all gifts be made to the Mayo Clinic, Boystown (Douglas County, Nebraska), or any Veterans assistance organization.

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