Dr. James Allen McAlister Jr. left this life peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family on October 18, 2026. The son of Rev. James Allen McAlister and Thelma Deal McAlister, he was born in Gastonia, NC on October 4, 1942. He graduated from Mooresboro High School in 1960. He attended Wake Forest University graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1964. He earned his Master of Science in 1968 where he was elected to the Society of Sigma Xi devoted to the promotion of scientific research. Dr. McAlister then graduated from the Bowman Gray (Wake Forest) School of Medicine in 1969. He was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

After his internship at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, he completed his residency in Pathology at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, now Carolinas Medical Center, in 1974. He was initially a partner with Charlotte Pathology Group, and he then assumed the prominent role of Director of the Laboratory for the Orthopedic Hospital of Charlotte where he was affectionately known by all as "Dr. Mac". With the merger of Presbyterian Hospital and Orthopedic Hospital of Charlotte, he then became a partner with Presbyterian Pathology Group.

As a highly skilled expert in his specialty of Orthopedic Pathology he became known across the Charlotte orthopedic community and across the Southeast for his impeccable service and dedication. A true subspecialist, he was consulted on complex orthopedic pathology cases throughout the local area and the Southeast. He performed additional research on the pathology of osteoporosis as well, a further testament to his commitment to the advancement of his specialty. His expertise extended above and beyond his role as a consultant, and his educational conferences were highly sought after and regarded. This demand provided him with an avenue to pursue his passion for teaching other clinicians about his unique area of knowledge. He instructed his colleagues at every educational level from residents studying for their boards to other seasoned clinicians.

Dr. Mac retired his microscope in 1999 for a more pastoral "life on the frontier" of Snake Mountain in the northwest corner of North Carolina. Days once spent examining frozen sections gave way to days of forestry, raising German Shepherds, and educating his son "Jimmy" James Allen McAlister III. He delighted in his land and learning about the local flora and fauna. His retirement on Snake Mountain fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a mountain man as well as a man of science.

Dr. McAlister was a member of Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Newland where his grandson, Rev. Cooper Starnes serves as pastor. Dr. McAlister was a devoted man of faith and son of a Baptist minister. He loved hearing the Gospel from his grandson and enjoyed listening to hymns on Sunday.

Preceded in death by his first wife Flora Eaker McAlister, he married Mary Dorsett Pender in 1992 who survives him along with three children: Dr. James Allen McAlister III and his wife Mariana Alessandra McAlister, Kimberly McAlister Hamilton and her husband, Dr. Brian Hamilton, Susan McAlister Starnes and her husband, Michael Cooper Starnes. He is survived by seven grandchildren: Flora Starnes Holmes, Rev. Michael Cooper Starnes Jr., Addison Starnes Francis, Wesley Powell Starnes, Lila Hamilton Chaffin, Olivia May Hamilton, and McAlister Hugh Hamilton. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren Ali Rea Starnes, Tripp Starnes, Heidi Francis, Lawrence Francis, Wells Augustus Holmes, and Caleb Chaffin.

The family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers of Forest Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care as well as Medi Home Health and Hospice. Their kindness and compassion for Dr. Mac will never be forgotten.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28-30

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Fellowship Presbyterian Church, 1336 Walt Clark Rd, Newland, NC 28657 or to the Alzheimer's Association .