James Edward McAlister, veteran, successful Realtor

James Edward McAlister, known affectionately as “Jim” and “Butch,” 80, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 7, 2025, at his home in Lewes after a courageous battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.  

Born in Takoma Park, Md., Jim was the son of the late Horace and Dorothy McAlister. He graduated from Damascus High School in 1962 and proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service, Jim worked at Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University and pursued several business ventures. Eventually, he settled in Lewes, where he spent the last 40 years of his life as a successful and well-respected real estate agent for Mann & Sons.

Jim had a passion for dancing, a joy he carried with him throughout his life.

He is survived by his brothers, Jeff McAlister (Linda) and Mike McAlister (Cindy); his nephews, Horace McAlister (Tracy), Matthew McAlister (Brittany), Joe McAlister (Molly) and Robert McAlister; and his nieces, Kelley Dalrymple (Alex) and Morgen McAlister. He also leaves behind dear friends, Betty Beebe and Joann Wallett, along with his beloved pets, Abby and Maggie.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his partner, Orville Rowley; and his brother, Robert McAlister.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth, Disabled American Veterans, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m.

Visit Jim’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.