John William Alexander Jr.

John W. Alexander, Jr was born 11 December, 1934 in Portland Oregon to John William Alexander and Hester C.  Alexander, who became affectionately known as “Bill” to family and friends.  He passed away peacefully on 7 September, 2025.  He was the best brother, Dad, husband, and friend to all.  His mother had a huge influence on his early education, switching schools often when given the chance to get to the best teachers, and he went to a smattering of secondary schools that included WF West, Culver Military School, an unnamed Ivy League school where he wrestled varsity. Eventually he found his way to Underwater Demolitions Training in the US Navy, where he excelled as a Frogman.  He always wanted to fly airplanes, but his eyes were not good enough, so he went underwater instead.  He loved his days in the Navy, and the team he served with.  He married Sally Finley in 1968 and they proceeded to have 5 boys in 6 years’ time.  He was a banker by trade after the Navy, and came home to help out his father with Security State Bank.  One of his true loves was working the family tree farm with the “Boys” and Marion Stover.  The guys at the scale shack would call him Superman because he would don a hickory shirt over his business attire when taking logs to the mill in early morning hours or on a lunch break, then simply shed it after going to work in the now empty log truck. 

He had few other hobbies.  They included riding motorcycles in all of Europe, New Zealand, Africa, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos well into his seventies.  He began flying small private airplanes and was a credited pilot.  He eventually got into competitive aerobatics with a Pitts S-2B airplane that he loved to do loops, stalls, and barrel rolls in.  Often, people would remark about the “crazy guy” doing stunts over the Adna Valley.  Certainly, most of those folks were not thinking John would live to the ripe old age of 90+ years – but he proved them wrong. 

Throughout his life he became enthralled with all things U.S. Constitution.  He was a true Patriot, and did his best for God, Country, family and friends of all persuasions.  He loved to visit and “people watch” as a regular at Judy’s Kitchen, and the staff spoiled him with good natured banter, which he enjoyed even more than the great food.  He was a Lewis County Guy, and he loved his community.  It was evidenced in his work with the Industrial Commission, Lewis County EDC, Rotary, Providence Hospital, and many other organizations and non-profits over the years.  He was a CEO, Director and Chairman of Security State Bank, and he took the role seriously, leading the bank though many difficult times and cycles.  He loved his family, and it showed when he was talking about any of them.  He was always interested in what was going on with each and every one of his kids, grandkids, great grandkid and daughter-in-law’s lives.  He talked to all of the kids like adults, regardless of age.  He taught his family respect by modeling what it was.  He also said a firm handshake was very important.  He was always understated, and never took himself too seriously.  He was always approachable and had vast experience to draw on.  He was very good about sharing his own mistakes so that others may not have to endure them.  He didn’t have to yell at any of his boys, a simple stern “look” would enhance the need for corrective measures.  Sometimes he would offer advice in these times, and say something like “A better boy would……”.  He was an excellent writer and could speak off the cuff in a way that would make any Toastmaster proud. 

John’s call sign in the Navy UDT was “Eagle”.  The Eagle has indeed landed.

He is survived by sister Mary Alexander, sons Andrew (Tracy) Alexander, Charles (Tiffany) Alexander, Michael (Anne Marie) Alexander, Jim Alexander, and John (Nancy) Alexander.  He had eleven grandchildren Trevor (Hailee), Drew, Will, Kate, Abigail, Grace, Grant, Anna, Madyson, John and Wyatt, and one great grandchild, Avery. 

John is predeceased by his father and mother, wife Sally Alexander and later in life wife Ruby Alexander.

There will be a private graveside for family, as that was his wish.  He left us all with some wonderful memories that we will cherish for many years to come.  He will be a humble friend dearly missed by many.

The family would like to thank Silver Acres staff and Assured Hospice for all of their efforts and care they administered to John and his family.

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