James Alvah “Al” Sherlock died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, at Merit Health River Region Medical Center. He was 74.

He was born in Vicksburg in 1940 to Thomas and Sarah Sherlock.

He graduated from H.V. Cooper High School and Mississippi State University with a degree in English. Al taught English and coached basketball and football at Carr Junior High School for three years before his 30-year career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station.

He began his WES career as an editor in the Publications and Graphic Arts Department, then, as chief of the Technical Information Center, retiring from the Information Technology Center. Later, he worked part-time at Carter Jewelry where he enjoyed serving and visiting with store customers.

Beyond his professional career, his family was his first priority. He was very active in his children’s school and athletic lives. He taught them correct English language and coached them in football, baseball, softball and attended many piano and dance recitals.

Through his teaching and coaching careers he met many children who touched his heart and left him with wonderful memories.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Pete; mother, Sarah; and father, Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Roboski Sherlock; children, Kimberly Ann Sherlock and Jerald C. (Speler) Montgomery; five grandchildren, Liam Aberegg, Sara Ann, John Ellis, and Mary Ruth Montgomery, and Gage Laird; and brother-cousin, Walter (Bubba) Keirn.

The family especially thanks Candace Austin for her care and kindness.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., and the memorial service at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1501 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS 39180.