Alexander means “defender of men”; it appropriately describes our warrior Miles. He always had his family’s back and was the wingman for many friends. For 13 years he courageously fought Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare and incurable kidney disease that led to many other medical complications. Though he lost his physical battle with FSGS on July 16, 2019, Miles believed he won eternal life with his Lord and family members.
Miles was born on October 3, 1972 in Houston, Texas. He attended Westwood High School in Austin, Texas where he loved being on the debate team and was actively involved with the Junior Air Force ROTC. His spare time was spent serving in the Austin Civil Air Patrol. After his first airshow, his passion for aviation was permanent.
Though an optic nerve disease kept him from his desire to serve in the military, he earned his Applied Arts in Science degree in Airframe and Powerplant Technology from now Hallmark University in San Antonio, Texas. Upon graduation he proudly earned his Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic.
Nothing could top his love of aviation until he met Jamie Robinson while working in Oklahoma City. Though she was from north of the Red River, she also was an FAA licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic and Miles knew she would soon be his co-pilot for life. Together they embarked for several years traveling the southern and southwest states working as aircraft technicians including civilian military defense contracting. Miles earned many certificates qualifying him to work on a variety of civilian and military aircraft.
While on assignment in Florida, Miles also earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from Everglades University in Boca Raton.
It was in Florida where he was also diagnosed with FSGS. In preparation for a transplant, Miles and Jamie moved to San Antonio, Texas to be closer to family. Miles soon proposed to Jamie and they were married on February 18, 2011. On March 2 (Texas Independence Day) of that year he had his kidney transplant surgery with a perfectly matched donor, his younger sister Necah. Unfortunately, within 24 hours post-surgery, FSGS attacked the new kidney and within three years, due to FSGS and other medical complications, the kidney failed.
On his fortieth birthday, his family surprised him with a flight on a WWII B17 bomber plane. Despite being sick, he relished every minute of the experience as seen by his smile in the above photo, taken inside the plane prior to takeoff.
For a brief period while in San Antonio, Miles’ military expertise was tapped by the management of the United States Air Force Airman Heritage Museum to determine correct specifications for some of its exhibits. He was respected for his knowledge and loved the opportunity to share it. He also briefly served as a Colonel in the Commemorative Air Force, San Marcos, Texas working on vintage aircraft until his illness diminished his mobility.
During his free time, he became a self-taught guitarist, collector of aviation books, an accomplished model aircraft and tank hobbyist, a frequent airshow attendee, a gun range shooter, a great cook, a “green thumb” gardener, a voracious reader of books, and a military aficionado. He even named his beloved cat “AWACS” (Airborne Warning and Control System, a U.S. Air Force aircraft mounted radar)!
Miles was a proud American patriot. He loved his country and he loved Texas. As a fifth generation Texan, he requested no formal service other than his immediate family scatter his cremated ashes over the Texas Hill Country.
Now Miles patiently awaits the takeoff and arrival of his co-pilot spouse Jamie Cannon; kidney donor sister Necah Cannon; his supportive parents Sandra and Tom Cannon; and his “protector” cat AWACS.
The family requests that any donations be given in Miles’ name to the NephCure Kidney International or the Capitol Hospice Austin whose compassionate team the Cannon family will always cherish. Just as Miles’ sister Necah did, please consider donating a kidney. Learn more from the National Kidney Foundation.
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