James (Jim) Alexander joined the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion in 1944, at the age of 19. After completing jump training in Shilo, Manitoba, he joined the battalion in England. On March 23, 1945, he took part in Operation Varsity, the airborne crossing of the Rhine. He was part of the battalion that met the Russian army at Wismar on May 2, 1945. Jim returned to Canada in June 1945 and went back to civilian life when the battalion was disbanded. Jim passed away peacefully on October 6, 2014, after a long life devoted to his family, the theater and sport.
Note: The attached photo of Jim was previously displayed on the Army Run course.