Jerry “Jet” Raymond Alexander left his earthly body and “flew away” to Heaven March 9, 2018 after a yearlong battle with cancer and heart disease. He was sad to leave his loved ones but so excited to go see his Savior, Jesus Christ face to face.
Jerry was born January 10, 1940 in Wallace, Idaho to Joseph and Esther Alexander. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Rudy and Alan, his parents in law, Nordy and Helen DeLoach and his brother in law, Frazier.
Jerry attended West Valley High School and graduated in 1958 as the President of the Student Body. He had been Student Body President most all of his grade school and high school years and told his wife that he never remembers running for that office but somehow just got it! That’s how much he was liked for being such a great guy! His favorite memories growing up are of playing baseball and he had continued his love for the sport, along with his sister Marlene, being big fans of the Seattle Mariners.
Jerry is survived by his best friend, soul mate and wife of 49 years, Dana. She will miss her beloved “Cookie” every day of her remaining life. He is also survived by his five children, Kevin Alexander, Kimberly Kinney (Patrick), Sheryl Alexander, Bob Carroll (Margie) and Vicki Downie (Jody), beloved granddaughters Charity Picicci, Lisa Dinh & Jennifer Tennison and grandsons: Anthony Picicci, Brandon Alexander & Benjamin Alexander and seven great-grandchildren. His last remaining sibling and dear sister, Marlene Berger (Chris), his foster son , Bladimir. Brother in law, Michael DeLoach & 4 sisters in law, Diane DeLoach, Sharon DeLoach, Debbie Jamail, Sara Fealk also many nieces & nephews. Plus numerous friends and extended members of a large Italian family. He was a member of Spokane Deaf Church and had been in ministry among the Deaf for over 30 years. His & Dana’s dear friends, pastors, Allan & Yamile Gray, and members of the church respected and loved him very much. He served as Treasurer of the church for over twenty years. Jet loved to serve and made himself available to help whenever he could.
Jerry was miraculously born-again August of 1970 when He asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of his life. Everything changed after that and he had lived faithfully for God for almost 48 years. Jerry became involved along with his wife in missions to the Deaf in the Dominican Republic where they founded a School for Deaf children in 2008. Jerry “preached” the Gospel with his life of love, acceptance, and forgiveness. He was patience personified and never judged anyone.
Jerry was an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. He spent many happy hours fishing at Clear Lake and along the Columbia River with his son in law, Homer Dinh, his son Kevin and foster son, Bladimir and hunting with his good buddy, Stan Estes. He also loved to play Cribbage and he was the “Master”; teaching many of his family & friends to play and enjoying his card night with his three buddies, Allan, Al & Hugh! Dana always did a “victory dance” when she beat him because he was so good! He would just smile and let her know she had played well. Jerry was a team player and a competitor. He loved all kinds of sports and games and everyone loved to be on his team as he was always so enthusiastic! Jet loved his home and his family including all of his in-laws. He was most happy when the family got together for Thanksgiving, reunions or camping trips. He instilled the love for the outdoors in all five of the children. All of them and the grandchildren have wonderful memories of numerous camping trips and Huckleberry foraging. Hey kids, remember those hiking trails where he would get us to sing “Now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invincible the only wise God be glory and honor forever and ever …..Amen…amen” and on and on? We sang it in a “round” and it would stick in our minds for days. Also, “You had a good home and you left! You’re right! Sound off……..as we marched along the high Cascade Trail?
Jet, Cookie, husband, Dad, brother grandpa, uncle & dear friend you will most definitely be missed on this old earth but we know we will see you again when it’s our turn to “fly away” to Jesus!
Funeral arrangement is being made by Ball & Dodd Funeral Home. Viewing will be Thursday, March 15th between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. at Ball & Dodd. Memorial service will be held at the Intersection Church, 905 N McDonald Spokane Valley at 2:00 p.m. on March 16th. All those who loved Jet are welcome. Burial service is at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to the D.R. Deaf School via “Spokane Deaf Church D.R. Missions” and send to Dana Alexander at her home address. This will bless the work that Jet loved and was committed to helping.
