James N. Alexander, Sr. 1966-2024
Like any hero, Jimmy has an origin story. Back when we were living in Silver Spring, MD, the family asked what name our new adopted brother should have, I remember suggesting “Jimmy” after Jimmy Olsen—Superman’s sidekick. I was obsessed with the black and white Superman reruns on TV.
Yesterday is Jimmy’s born day. 
As we grew up, our planets diverged. I saw Jim in vignettes–during quick visits to Louisville for family rituals and events. He joined the Air Force, got married, had children, got unmarried, and then married again.
This year, as I was going through old photos, I noticed that only a few of them show Jim as the main subject. In most of the pictures, he’s in the background, holding a child, cooking on the grill, or talking with someone else in profile.
In my quick views of his life, Jimmy was/is a supporting keystone.
In what was to be the unexpected autumn of his life on this planet, Jimmy managed Dad’s medication, ran errands, took Dad on outings, and just sat and listened, as Dad began his fight with dementia. Jimmy was Dad’s battle buddy. He called Dad every day at 11:30 am to make sure he was up and dressed. The one day that Jimmy didn’t call Dad, was former sidekick’s last day on this planet.
I miss my big little brother.