Jess Willard Alexander, known to friends as JW, J and Papa, was born in Hockley, Texas on February 23, 1916. He was the second of seven children, born to Anne Ruth and Oscar Alexander, Sr., Jess grew up in Houston, Texas and was educated in public schools of the Houston Independent School District. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was a member of the Beebe Memorial United Methodist Church of Houston. Upon relocating to Oakland, California in 1942, he became a member of Beebe Memorial of Oakland and later affiliated with Grace United Methodist Church. Jess worked as a welder in the shipyards during World War II. He was later employed by the Naval Air Station as an aircraft mechanic, specializing in jet engines. He retired from the Naval Air Station in 1972, after 28 years of service. In 1953, he married his beloved wife, Homizelle, whom he affectionately called 'Honey'. They were married for 52 years and spent those years in Oakland. Jess loved cross country car trips. He and his 'Honey' spent many vacations traveling throughout the country. They made many trips to Texas where they both came from. He enjoyed playing golf with friends and at 65, became a motorcycle enthusiast, riding from Oakland to Clear Lake to Los Angeles with 'Honey' on the back. JW was a very generous man, helpful to everyone who knew him. He had a friendly, outgoing and gregarious personality and made many friends during his lifetime. He loved life. He was preceded in death by both parents; two brothers: Oscar Alexander, Jr., and Romeo Alexander; three sisters: Bennie, Jewel and Princess. He leaves to mourn his passing: his devoted wife of 52 years, Homizelle, one daughter, Doris Helen Dunn of Houston, Texas and one son, Maurice Compton and his wife, Martha of Oakland, California; two brothers: Carl Rudolph Alexander, Sr., of Waller, Texas and Ray Alexander of Pattison, Texas; four sisters-in-law: Becky Alexander of Pattison, Texas; Orelia Alexander of Waller, Texas; Helen Alexander of Marlin, Texas and Alice Alexander of Oakland, California; two aunts: AC Shepherd and Erma Hendricks, both of Houston, Texas. Papa loved and adored his grandchildren, Maurice, Malaak, and her husband, Chris, Shani, Indya, Salari and Amir. He had five great-grandchildren: Naeem, Miah, Maurice, Lola and Zorah. He also leaves a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at the CP Bannon Mortuary, 6800 International Blvd in Oakland, California 94621 on Friday, July 8, 2005 at 11:00am. Published in the East Bay Times from July 7 to July 8, 2005.