James Martin Alexander, age 28, died on Friday March 23, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers 83 days after colon cancer was diagnosed.
James was born in Gloucester and lived on Cape Ann for most of his life, most recently as his mother’s helper and roommate in Rockport.
James was a familiar face to many on Cape Ann who stopped in at Tedeschi or Richdale for a scratch ticket or a gallon of milk in the evening. At 6 foot 4 with a bald head and a pleasant smile, he loved being a convenience store clerk. He was a cheerful presence during busy times and good for a chat about most things but especially about music. Known by some as “Metal Man” because it was his first love, you were just as likely to walk in to the store and hear anything from Paul Simon to The Mountain Goats playing in the background. He especially liked working the overnight shift when he met some of the most interesting people and was well known to the overnight police officers who he respected and the cabbies who he loved.
He was a devoted Facebook member who was known for posting great, unknown music and witty quips and for his amazing array of profile pictures which were never of him. His friends were legion and of all ages and types of people because of his work, but close friendships were few.
A mostly private man, he kept his illness very quiet and demonstrated great dignity and courage while facing a short but intense experience few his age know much about.
James is survived by his mother, Tanny Martin, of Rockport; his brother Matthew Alexander of Taos, NM and his father, Mark Alexander of Falls Village, CT along with family members around the country.
ARRANGEMENTS: A Memorial Celebration will be held at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester on Friday, March 30, from 3-6pm. There will be no graveside or church event.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his name should be made to Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan Street, Danvers, MA 01923 or to his funeral fund through his mother at 59 Main Street, Rockport, MA.
Online condolences may be given at www.greelyfuneralhome.com
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