[5/1/03] The family of James “Gee Gee” Alexander gathered at the Delta home of his mother, Mettie Ruth Alexander, this morning, remembering their relative and sorting out his life.

“He was just down to earth,” his mother said.

Alexander, who would have turned 42 on Tuesday, died Wednesday when an explosion ended a 13-hour standoff between him and local and federal authorities. In a written statement, authorities say Alexander triggered the blasts that resulted in his death, perhaps to avoid being returned to prison.

His wife of four years, Deborah Alexander, recalled times when her husband, an electrician, helped the community.

“The lights went out, and he climbed the pole to fix everybody’s electricity on Christmas Day,” she said. Alexander, her husband and their 9-month-old daughter, Alexis Lynn lived next door to his mother.

“He put a lot into this town and did a lot for everybody here,” she said.

Mettie Ruth Alexander said her son could be counted on if needed.

“He would un-stop the ditches when it flooded,” she said. “You could call Gee Gee I don’t care what time of the day or night and he’d help you.”

Alexander had two daughters, Kayla Danielle, 19, and Carrie Lee, 16, with his first wife, Wanda Alexander.

“We had two beautiful children together, and even though we were divorced, we were the best of friends,” she said.

“He was a good boy,” his cousin Ina Kessler said. “He’d do anything for anybody.”

Mettie Ruth Alexander said she last spoke with her son Tuesday morning.

“He said I’m sorry, Mama,'” she said. “He told Deborah, Tell Mama I love her.'”