Early Life, Education and Career
Alexander was born in the village of Bienville, in Bienville Parish to the former Mary Crawford and James Earl Alexander. In 1964, he graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Jonesboro in Jackson Parish. He then attended Louisiana Tech University but left school to work for his family construction company so his wife could earn a degree.
Alexander was an insurance agent prior to entering Congress. He also owned a construction company from 1964–1981. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1965–1971. He was a member of the Jackson Parish Police Jury (equivalent to county commission in other states) from 1972–1988.
Alexander left the police jury to represent District 13 in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1988 until his election to Congress. While in the House, he served as the chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee. In this position, Alexander shepherded through the Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP) legislation, which assists mothers and children with basic health care and insurance needs.
Alexander took college courses on and off for 45 years. When the University of Louisiana at Monroe started offering online courses, Alexander took the online classes for two years and graduated with a general studies degree from ULM in 2009. d
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