Getting Personal: Danville YMCA Director John Alexander

Talk about your profession.

As the executive director of the Danville Family YMCA, I oversee all operations, facilities and fundraising of our organization while making sure that our mission continues to be our focus.

What time do you typically get up? What do you do the first hour of the morning?

Between 5:30 and 6 a.m. I read the newspaper and watch TV news.

What is your best high school memory?

Sitting in the high school bleachers after lunch, sharing a Bun candy bar with the cutest redhead in the school. ... She's been my wife for 34 years.

Tell me about your favorite pair of shoes.

I had a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse basketball shoes, gold low cuts, that I wore in college. They offered some of the most comfort that my feet have ever enjoyed.

Was there one book you read as a child that you still cherish? Own? Read?

The Bible remains my all-time favorite, but my junior high English teacher, Ann Melching, required us to read "Animal Farm" and "To Kill a Mockingbird." Those books have had a lasting impact on my life.

If you could invite three people (all living) to your home for the weekend, who would they be?

Other than Jesus Christ (he still lives and visits our house frequently), I would choose Billy Graham, Bill Cosby and Ozzie Smith.

Where on Earth are you dying to go? Why?

Jerusalem and the Holy Lands, following in Christ's footsteps. I'd also like to visit Normandy and Iwo Jima ... with reverence.

Have you discovered as you matured that you are becoming like one of your parents? Which one and how?

I'm not sure that I've matured, but my appearance has altered to favor my father, and many tell me that I have acquired several of his traits. I wish I could talk to him now.

What would you order for your last meal?

My wife's fried chicken – dark meat, please.

What can you NOT live without?

It's amazing how that choice has changed over my life span. Now? It's family and friends that are at the top of my priority list.

Are you a morning or an evening person?

Probably some of both. Depends on my schedule and demands.

What's the happiest memory of your life?

My wedding day and the arrivals of our three children.

What's the best advice you've ever been given? By whom?

I've been offered much good advice over the years, but my father was my first mentor. He not only told me but showed me that all people need to be treated with respect, that you should be honest and reliable, and to offer yourself as a good Christian role model.

What's your best piece of advice?

Proverbs 3:5-6. ("Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.")

What was your first job, and how much did you make an hour?

I mowed for $1 an hour – serious money – and then moved up to walking/weeding bean fields for $2 an hour.

What was a pivotal decision in your career and how did you arrive at that decision?

There have been two: The first occurred when my father suffered a heart attack during my college freshman year, and he needed my help in the family business during the summer break. That cemented my future in that business after I earned my degree. The second took place in 2001, when I took a 180-degree turn, left the insurance profession and accepted the position at the Danville Family YMCA.

Also on this date

• Officials reviewing radar as storm cleanup gets started
• Philo woman dies after being thrown from ATV
• Man's fight against alcoholism leads to transformation
• Orpheum renovating auditorium, seeking expansion funds
• Douglas County court reporter can still put pen to paper
• Resident extras show up ready for their wide shots
• Social-services rally urges legislators to put people first
• Illinois Terminal marks 10 years of revenue independence
• Obituaries

» More