Celebration of life for James Alder Jr. on Oct. 19

A celebration of the life of long-time Petaluma resident James M. Alder Jr. will be held Oct. 19.|

A celebration of the life of long-time Petaluma resident James M. Alder Jr. will be held Oct. 19 at the Kenilworth Teen Center, 150 Fairgrounds Drive, from 2 to 6 p.m. Participants are invited to share pictures and memories.

Alder died peacefully at his home in Fortuna on Sept. 18, 2014 after a long illness.

He was born Nov. 11, 1949 in Monterey, but grew up and lived most of his life in Petaluma. He met and married his wife, Patricia, in Petaluma. They were together for 45 years and had three children.

Alder served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968 through 1977 and was very proud of his military service. He was awarded a Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam from 1968 through 1969.

“The Marine Corps was a big part of his life,” said his wife, Patricia Alder.

After leaving the military he worked as a house painter and servicing trucks.

According to has family, he came into contact with Agent Orange in Vietnam, and later developed cancer and was disabled from exposure to the chemical.

He enjoyed bowling and loved to fish, especially in the ocean.

“He loved with his heart, and didn’t show it much,” said Patricia.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Alder; children, James III Alder of Fulton, Mo.; Wendy Ochoa of Petaluma; Brandy Alder of Fortuna; grandchildren; siblings, Ronald Allison of Bakersfield and Richard Allison of Valley Ford; and Vickie DeSonie of Indiana.

Memorial donations made be made to Hospice, any veterans’ organization or the Rolling Memorial Wall Van through the Vietnam Veterans of America: WA Chapter 563, “Memorial Van,” P.O. Box 751284, Petaluma, 94975-1284.

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