James Andrew Alexander, 24, of New Bern, N.C., died April 20, as a result of a free diving accident near his home on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
James was born October 26, 1987, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Nancy B. Alexander of New Bern and Dr. L. George Alexander Jr. of Charlotte, N.C. James attended Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, N.C. for several years of elementary school before the family moved to New Bern in 1995.James attended Arendell Parrott Academy in Kinston, N.C., and graduated in 2006. He was a member and co-captain with his twin brother, David, of the school’s varsity soccer team and a member of the 2006 Division 2A High School Champion Swim Team. James was a North Carolina Scholar, honor student and active member of a nationally ranked Science Olympiad team, service organizations and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of Troop 13 as well as the Order of the Arrow. James was a 2010 graduate of the UNC – Chapel Hill, where he received a Bachelor of Art degree in Psychology. He was a member of Chi Phi Fraternity where he served as Social Chair and Epsilon (Sergeant at Arms). James also participated in the National Outdoor Leadership School in Baja, Mexico, where he excelled in leadership and team building, as well as navigation, water rescue, and backcountry survival skills.
James was an avid outdoor enthusiast and especially enjoyed duck hunting and fishing. After his junior year of college, he spent a summer living with his siblings Lauren and David in Lake Tahoe, Calif. He loved snow skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. James also loved the sea and was happiest when boating, kayaking, swimming, or diving. He had lived on St. John, U.S.V.I., since January 2011, and worked at two fine dining establishments, Zozos and Rhumb Lines. James hiked almost every day and enjoyed countless hours making repairs to, and sailing, a 21-foot Hobie Cat with his brother David.
James had a natural ability to entertain others and to enjoy life. Just being together with his family was cause for celebration and when friends dropped by his home, met him on the street, and especially when they visited him on St. John, there was even more reason to celebrate. James loved life and he lived it to the fullest.
In addition to his parents, James is survived by his twin brother and best friend, David, of New Bern, N.C.; his sisters: Virginia of San Francisco, Calif., and Lauren of Charlotte, N.C.; his maternal grandparents: John and Reva Burns of Gainesville, Fla.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. His paternal grandparents, Leon and Virginia Alexander, of Charlotte, N.C., preceded him in death.
A service of thanksgiving for the life of James will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, May 5, at First Presbyterian Church in New Bern with Rev. William L. “Bill” Hawkins officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Session House. Those wishing to offer words of hope, photos, or online condolences may visit www.pollockbest.com. Contributions, in memory of James, may be made to Coastal Conservation Association – NC Chapter 4809 Hargrove Rd, Suite 123 Raleigh, NC 27616 www.ccanc.org. or Boy Scouts of America – Troop 13 c/o Centenary United Methodist Church 309 New St. New Bern, N.C. 28560 http://troop13newbernnc.org., or the charitable organization of your choice.
Pollock~Best Funerals and Cremations is assisting the Alexander family.
