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James Calderwood Alexander

This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.

James Calderwood Alexander

June 29, 1934 - August 2, 2020

Peacefully at Regency Manor, Port Hope on Sunday August 2nd, 2020 in his 87th year. Beloved husband of the late Marie Alexander (nee Clarke). Loving father of Heather Campbell (David) and James Alexander. Dear grandfather of Jennifer Harris (Sam) and Jonathan Campbell (Anna) and great grandfather of Abigail, Naomi and Caleb. Pre-deceased by his brother John Alexander. A private family service will be held in the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King Street East Cobourg. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Regency Manor for their care and compassion. Interment in Cobourg Union Cemetery. If desired donations may be made to Regent Park School of Music (rpmusic.org).

Jim was born on June 29th, 1934 in Ottawa, Ontario, to Scottish immigrant parents, Mary and James Alexander. He had a younger brother John, who predeceased him in 2018.

As a young man, Jim was very athletic and loved physical activity. He enjoyed gymnastics, skiing and was an excellent swimmer.10

He was a draftsman by trade but a musician at heart. Music was a common thread throughout the tapestry of his life. God used music to draw Jim to Himself. At the age of fifteen, Jim came to the Lord through the ministry of the Salvation Army. The euphonium became his instrument of choice, although he would learn to play many different instruments over the years. Playing the euphonium was his way of expressing his love for the Lord. He always gave his best. Later, the common love of music brought Jim and Marie together. Their love for the Lord led them to use their musical talents to minister to others over their 62 years together. Many were blessed by Jim’s playing and Marie’s singing.

In 1973, while serving with the Salvation Army in Prince Edward Island, Jim wrote the Island Hymn which was sung at the ecumenical centennial service for Queen Elizabeth.

He also loved to arrange music, something that he did often for the “Spirit Brass”, a quartet which he founded and with which he played for many years.

In 1985, Jim received his Bachelor of Religious Education from Ontario Bible College (now Tyndale University). Jim and Marie opened Alexander’s Music Academy in 1987 and, over the next 20 years, used their talents to teach, inspire and encourage their students. They especially delighted in teaching their grandchildren, Jennifer and Jonathan, and shared with them their love of music.

During Jim’s brief stay in palliative care, we listened to brass music. In the moments before he passed, the hymn “In the Sweet By and By” was playing.

Dad, until we meet again on that beautiful shore, you will not be forgotten. We rejoice that you are with the Lord and reunited with Mom. Gone from our sight, but forever in our hearts.

MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE / DONATIONS

Dean Taylor - August 22, 2020

Sad with you for the lost! Glad for his hope in Christ! Hold to his memory! Be blessed in Christ’ comfort!

Lori Pratt - August 18, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Charity of Your Choice

Kerry - August 16, 2020

To the Alexander family. My sincere condolences. Jim was a wonderful person. He was pleasant, kind, and a gentle man. His time with me at Regency was special. He is missed, but is now at piece, free from the challenges he faced. In his Heavenly home. RIP Jim

Ray and Kathy Hewgill - August 10, 2020 DONATION

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Charity of Your Choice

Gale Ovens - August 8, 2020

Dear Heather and family: I wish to express my sincerest condolences on the loss of your Father Jim. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Take comfort in the knowledge you parents have been reunited. Gale (Root) Ovens

Rose Fruscione - August 8, 2020

Our deepest condolences in your loss,may the Lord give you strength and refuge in this difficult time. Vince and Rosalba Fruscione

Michael Gibney - August 7, 2020

Uncle Jim was a very special man. His passion and love of music was equally matched by his skill and his brilliance as an artist. His face shone with a radiance only God's Spirit could convey. I was greatly impacted by my uncle and aunts witness for Christ and I thank God for their living testimonies of faith and devotion.

Wally Sokol - August 7, 2020

So sorry to hear about Jim's passing. Praying for the family. Blessings.

Marlene Stothart - August 7, 2020

Marie & family, My deepest condolences to all of you. I have not seen you in years, I would ask your brother how you were. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay safe. Hugs Marlene Stothart ( Davison )