Jackson Corbett Alexander

Jack Alexander (Corbett Jackson), of Portland, Oregon, passed away on August 25, 2012, in Gresham, OR. He was born in Hood River, Oregon, December 6, 1925, to parents Corbett and Elda (Jackson). His sister Ruth Jean (Murray), preceded him in death. After high school, Jack joined the Navy and served as a gunner’s mate in the “Armed Guard” transporting troops and supplies on the Liberty ships to various locations during World War II. Jack was proud of his service, and enjoyed what he called his “free trip around the world.” While at a USO sponsored dance in Seattle, Jack met Neva (Geneva Belle Perkins), and asked her to dance. Even though she couldn’t jitterbug, Jack married her 6 months later on February 24, 1945.

After the Navy, Jack and Neva ran their own trucking firm deciding to move to Portland in 1950. He began his long history with the Teamsters as an owner-operator. He sold his business and was a Million Mile long haul line driver for Consolidated Freightway transferring from Local 162 to the newly started Local 81. In 1962 he was appointed as a business agent for Teamsters Union Local 81. In 1969 he was elected Secretary/Treasurer of Local 81. At that time the local represented 3500 plus line and pick up delivery drivers working for 48 trucking companies. In 1974 he was appointed to the Executive Board of the Joint Council 37 and later elected as joint council president in 1981.He served in that position until his retirement in 1988. Jack also served as a Trustee on the Western Conference Teamsters Pension Plan. He was one of 6 union officials chosen nationwide to handle the Master Freight Negotiations which coordinated the contract for 400,000 union members. He was described by his opponents as knowledgeable, tough and fair.

Jack had many lifelong friends from his childhood, the Portland neighborhood, through the Teamsters and the golfing buddies at Glendoveer. He outlived many of them. He was a loyal friend who always liked a party. He hosted many a fishing trip on his boat catching salmon. He was a life member of the Elks and a member of the VFW.

Family life was precious. Jack was out of town a lot both as a driver and as an official but he made time for camping and fishing trips with the family, his sister’s family and friends. Many a weekend the kids would wake up to the smell of Neva frying chicken and making potato salad and Jack getting the cooler and fishing poles ready for a day excursion up the Deschutes or down to the Wilson Rivers. After retiring Jack and Neva became snowbirds and Jack devoted more time to golf. After cancer diagnosis and chemo treatments in 2009 more time was spent with just Jack taking Neva on her “rides,” mostly to Cascade Locks to get Jack his ice cream. There was no doubt Jack and Neva were a team, married 67 years. He was an honest man, who believed in keeping his word and providing for his family. He loved his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments.

Jack is survived by wife, Geneva, sons Mike (Sharon), and Dan (Vernita), daughter Susan Craven (Larry), grandchildren Julian Alexander, Brandi Marinoni (Marc), Jeremiah(Jennifer) Alexander, Sara Alexander, Jack Craven (Rachel), Beth Blake (Rick), Jayme Alexander, Brady Alexander (Jana), Danny Alexander, Sam Craven (Stephanie), Lauren Craven and 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made to Teamsters Joint Council 37 for their annual Sunshine Division contribution or Providence Hospice.