ALEXANDER, James "Jim" Arthur – It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jim on July 28, 2026, at the age of 81. Beloved husband of Erika Alexander. Loving father of Peter Alexander, and Andrea Lamont (Jason). Adored grandfather of William Alexander, Vanessa Duncan, and Hannah and Charlie Lamont. Born number 3 of 16 siblings on October 10, 1944, to James and Josephine Alexander, Jim was the dear brother of AnnaLee Benjamin (Jack), Ralph (Ruby) Alexander, Patrice Alexander, Kevin (Nancy) Alexander, Marion Alexander, Jeff (Janice) Alexander, Kathie Alexander, Marg Alexander (Gerry), Christopher Alexander, and Heather Lynn Alexander. He was pre-deceased by his sisters Sharon Adams, Fran Cushnie, Jacqueline Baker, and brothers Michael Alexander and Gerald Alexander. Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children, and many cousins, and friends.
Jim served with Lincoln and Welland Regiment from 1960-1970 and grew to know Niagara-on-the-Lake while spending summers at the regimental encampments on the Commons. Jim and Erika then moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1972 where they were able to find affordable housing as having just graduated from the Ontario College of Art. He quickly became involved in his chosen field of advertising and design which over time led to the establishment of his own company – The Third Dimension. A love of their first home on Luther Ave., a love of history, architectural detail, woodworking and an overwhelming appreciation for this unique community ultimately led to his career as a homebuilder, heritage consultant, cabinetmaker, restoration & preservation, sash restoration and reproduction work.
His work with the federal and provincial governments to design and build didactic displays included Fort George, Merrickville, Ottawa Locks, Trent-Severn Waterway, Fort St. Joseph, Point Pelee, Fort Malden and the Canadian War Museum. Locally, he took on the restoration of major architectural elements for significant historical properties in the Old Town, Queenston, St. Davids, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. He taught adult night school – photography and creating stained glass windows.
He was an active participant in his professional affiliations including the Canadian Association of Heritage Consultants, Community Heritage Ontario and the Association of Preservation Technology International.
He was deeply involved in the Town and was instrumental in establishing and/or chairing a number of community organizations including:
Founding Committee Chairman of The Friends of Fort George and active member of all its committees and pancake-chef-extraordinaire at site events (1986-2020);
Canada Day Celebrations (1989-2019); New Year’s Day Levee
-Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake UNESCO Committee (2018)
-Niagara-on-the-Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee (2010-2015)
-Simcoe’s Landing, 1992
-Local Architectural Committee (1988-1994)
-Steering Committee member to designate the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake as a national historic district (Historic Sites and Monuments Board)
-Scouts Canada Cub and Scout Leader 1974-1988 & recipient of their long service medal, 1986
-Paul Harris Fellow (Lewiston/Queenston Rotary Club (1985) and founding member of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Club, 1993.
-A founding committee member to establish Willowbank School of Restoration, 2001
Jim received recognition awards for his community involvement including:
-The Niagara Foundation, Living Landmark Award, 2022
-Niagara-on-the-Lake Citizen of the Year, 1993
-Commemorative Medal, 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, 1992
-Air Canada, Heart of Gold, 1988
-Ontario Heritage Foundation Long Service Award
His proudest accomplishment – other than the success of his children and grandchildren – was the 44-year ongoing project of building his home which reflected years of collecting and recycling building materials which still held life and character. The bricks from an outbuilding of the King Street Courthouse, floors, ceilings, beams and joinery of all types were crafted by Jim from largely old growth wood that had served in previous purposes. He was so pleased that his efforts were recognized by The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage Committee and designated in 2024.
He was an accomplished artist, craftsman and cabinetmaker, blessed with talent and imagination. He enjoyed the challenges of creating, making things happen and work.
His family and friends will miss his enthusiasm, sense of humour, drive and making change.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to Morgan Funeral Home- 415 Regent St., NOTL, on Thursday August 6, 2026 for visitation between 12pm – 2 pm, with a celebration of Jim’s life to follow at 2pm. As an expression of sympathy, those who wish in lieu of flowers, may make a memorial donation to The Friends of Fort George-friendsoffortgeorge.ca/donate. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com.
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As an expression of sympathy, those who wish in lieu of flowers, may make a memorial donation to The Friends of Fort George-friendsoffortgeorge.
Visitation
Thursday, August 6, 2026
ON
Friends and family are invited to Morgan Funeral Home- 415 Regent St., NOTL, on Thursday August 6, 2026 for visitation between 12pm – 2 pm, with a celebration of Jim’s life to follow at 2pm.
