James Grover Alexander

James Grover 'Jim' Alexander was born Wednesday, June 27, 1917, at Weatherford, Texas, the son of James G. Alexander, Sr. and Ruby (Head) Alexander. He grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He also lived in Covina, California, moving to Ottawa in 1948. In 1994, he moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, where he made his home, until his death Saturday, June 25, 2005, at the age of eighty-seven years. Jim graduated from Las Cruces Union High School with the class of 1937. He attended, and played football for New Mexico State University four years. He was an insurance and real estate agent. He was employed by Weien Real Estate in the late 1940's; was in partnership in the early 1960's, known as Alexander-Doyen Insurance and Real Estate; and was self-employed, known as Alexander Associates, in the 1970's until retirement. Jim served in the United States Army during World War II from December 16, 1942 to February 15, 1946. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operations as an x-ray technician with the 318th General Hospital. His decorations and citations included American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Lapel Button. Mr. Alexander was a member of First Baptist Church, Ottawa; Ottawa Lodge #18, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons; York Rite Chapter #7, Ottawa; Scottish Rite Consistory of Lawrence; Abdallah Shrine Temple of Overland Park; Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa; Ottawa Real Estate Board; Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; served as member and Chairman of the Local Selective Service Draft Board #24 of Ottawa forty years; former Boy Scout Troop 76 Scoutmaster; and enjoyed the 1500 Club in Coffeyville. On October 24, 1943, Jim was united in marriage with Margie E. Weien at Ottawa, Kansas. She preceded him in death on October 24, 1995. They celebrated fifty-two years of marriage. He is also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Gladys Chandler; three brothers, Andrew, George, Charles Alexander; and son-in-law, Thomas A. DeVore. He is survived by his son, James G. 'Jim' Alexander, III and his wife, Dr. Cathy Alexander, of Newnan, GA; daughter, Janie DeVore Gillis and her husband, Dr. Allen Gillis, of Coffeyville, KS; sister, Opal Mathis; four brothers, Don, Bill, Byron, and Robert Alexander; five grandchildren, Sarah and Travis Alexander, Paul, Charlie, and John DeVore; four step grandchildren, Heather, Paul, and Spencer Gillis, and Erica Milas; and one great-grandson, Thomas DeVore. SERVICES: Graveside funeral services will be held at Highland Cemetery in Ottawa at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Alexander at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends at 12:30 Thursday afternoon prior to the service. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. Military Honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901, Ottawa, and Masonic Services by Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Ottawa Lodge #18, A.F. & A.M. or Shriner Children`s Hospital, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.