James R. 'Jim' Alexander

James R. "Jim" Alexander, 62, of Mesa, Ariz., died Wednesday, March 12, 2008, at Banner Baywood Medical Center, Mesa, Ariz.

He was born on Sept.16, 1946, in Sweet Home, Ore., to Donald E. and Helen I. (Crowell) Alexander. He moved with his family from Sweet Home to Othello in 1953 where the family farmed. Jim graduated from Othello High School in 1964. He attended Spokane Community College for two years earning an associate degree in drafting. Upon completion of college he joined the U.S. Army where he served for two years in Korea.

On June 14, 1969, Jim married Mary Flansburgh. The couple had two sons. Jim worked at Hanford for several years and then moved back to Othello where he worked the family farm. He and Johana Meek were married on May 4, 1979. After 27 years of marriage, Johana preceded Jim in death.

Jim enjoyed working on and driving cars and motorcycles. The snowbird lifestyle became his; golfing and bowling were hobbies he pursued. The comment heard most often about Jim was that he would drop everything to help friends, family or neighbors using his mechanical or building abilities. As a child, Jim was a member of First Baptist Church, Othello.

Jim is survived by his sons, Jon Alexander of Seattle and Jason Alexander of Kennewick, two grandchildren, Taylor and Cole Alexander; a sister, Donna (Wallace) Frank of Othello and a brother, Frank (Susan) Alexander, also of Othello. In addition, Jim is survived by three stepchildren, three stepgrandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. Jim was also preceded in death by both of his parents.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Luncheon in Jim's honor at First Baptist Church, 705 E. Larch St., Othello on Friday, April 18 at noon. An inurnment service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park in Tacoma at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Network of International Christian Schools - Singapore Campus, in Jim's name. For more information please contact Susie Alexander.