John Allen Alexander January 20, 2022

Salisbury, North Carolina - John Allen “Ragtime” Alexander, 86 of Salisbury, NC and formerly of Miami, Florida passed away on January 20, 2022. His wife of 36 years was by his side.

John was born on September 1, 1935, to Evelyn Allen and John Samuel Alexander in Homestead, Florida. After graduating from Miami Jackson High School in 1953 he attended Florida State University and later the University of Miami where he was awarded a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music education in 1960 and 1962. He spent two years in the U.S. Army Band from 19541956.

The majority of his working life involved teaching and playing trombone. He performed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra for several years under the direction of Warren Covington, and a number of other nationally famous bands in addition to a large number of local musical groups in South Florida. He was recognized and respected as a leading jazz trombonist throughout the South Florida area. In addition to his performances as a jazz trombonist he taught music classes at the Miami-Dade College for 35 years and retired from the college in 2006. He brought national recognition to Miami-Dade College’s music program in his tenure as chairman of the music department.

In his retirement years, John and Patricia traveled frequently in and out of the United States and kept in close contact with friends and family.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia, formerly of Charlotte, NC, his son, Kirk Alexander of Dania, Florida, Amy Alexander of Cedaredge, Colorado, and great granddaughters Brooke Alexander and Kerry Harrison.

In accordance with his wishes, John’s ashes will be spread on the ocean of South Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or 800-822-6344, a nonprofit organization John was passionate about.