John H. “Jack” Alexander Jr. of East Bridgewater, 86, died peacefully in his sleep at his home on October 28th. . He is predeceased by his wife Phyllis, mother of his 3 children.. He is survived by his friend and ex-wife Mildred “Lee” Alexander, sister Elaire “Sue” Buck, his children Jack of Middleboro, Jeff of Lakeville, Jill Doyle of Concord, NH, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren.
He graduated from the Middlebough Memorial High School, class of 1941 and attended the Boston Business Institute. During World War II he served in the US Navy. He was an officer of the East Bridgewater Savings Bank for over 40 years, working in the mortgage department. He continued working as a consultant until his death overseeing construction projects on behalf of the bank. He was the Chairman of the East Bridgewater Planning Board for many years. At the time of his death he was on the Finance Committee of East Bridgewater’s Central Cemetery.
Jack will be remembered for his enthusiasm for model railroading, photography, and travelling. He served as a Board member of the HUB division of the National Model Railroad Association for 50 years, much of that as Treasurer. He received the distinguished title of Master Model Railroader.
For many years he was the Permanent Convention Manager of the Northeast Region. Last Saturday he attended a rail function with his longtime friend, Dave MacPherson. The day he died, he recorded in his journal that he painted two coach cars for his railroad layout.
He was an avid photographer and was active in many camera clubs for 40 years. He was a color slide critic for the Photography Society of America. He was currently treasurer of the Hocomock Digital Photographers Club, and was instrumental in its formation, even though he hadn’t been converted to digital photography and still shot film. He was a popular speaker on the subject of his travels, and often showed slide presentations at public libraries and other venues.
Jack relished planning, then visiting, every state in the USA, most of Canada and Europe as well as Kenya. In September he enjoyed a cruise along the New England coast to Nova Scotia. A few days prior to his death he booked a Carribean cruise for this winter.
For his 80th birthday his children bought him a computer and taught him to use e-mail. He learned to do digital editing, to convert his slides and print them.
Jack was a Mason for over 50 years; originally a member of the Mayflower Lodge and later transferred to the Satucket Lodge.
He was a faithful attender of the New England Baptist Church and participated in many church activities.
Donations can be made in his name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org).