good morning, I did not know your son personally, only from a friend. but from the little I know, it sounds like he had a most beautiful soul. I hope you are all able to make a healthy recovery from this tragedy. The love you showered upon him is not wasted, it will be felt by his soul. my deepest condolences. thank you for sharing his story and bringing awareness. He will be missed.

I am so very sorry to hear of Alex's passing.

Shelly, I am so sorry to hear about Alex. My prayers are with you and your family. May God give you comfort and wrap you in his loving arms.

All of us at Trinity are deeply sorry. Those of us in the community can at least have some sense of his struggles.

I just heard and I am so sorry for your loss. You are a wonderful family and I know that you will come together and help each other through this loss. Love and prayers to all of you.

Ellen

Whenever I saw Virginia and Phyllis, or the family together, you made me happy! The love that existed among you and that reached out to folks was always there. You just seemed to be surrounded by it and shared it with others.

I did not know Alexander but he is a child of God. It can be no other way!

So, so sorry for your loss. It is unimaginable.

My prayers are with you alll

My condolences to the family for your lost. Peace be with you.

Phyllis’s we had come to know of Alex through your close loving caring twin relationship with Alex. Alex thus came to be a part of us at that time and may God continue to make a special bond between you two in the difficult days ahead. God loves us all and we love you and your family with the love of God’s family. Again our deepest condolences to the family as you reflect on the days and times spent with Alex. Prayers as you all Bear each day.

Russell and family, Sandy & I were very saddened when we found out about the passing of Alexander. My memories are of a very happy, very kind hearted child who had a genuine personal relationship with Jesus. God judges the heart & God knows Alexander. Please take comfort in your sorrow you will see your son/brother again. You all are in our prayers & thoughts. Wayne and Sandy Cleveland

My heart felt condolences to Alex's family and friends. My husband and I first met "the twins" in 1985 when we moved to Shrader Rd. We saw Alex and Phyllis grow up. The best memory of Alex was his huge smile and wave when I would drive by their house. I am saddened by the tragic end to his life. He is in God's hands now. Rest in peace.

My thoughts, condolences and prayers are with the whole family.

I met Alex at the Probation Academy and it hurts my heart to know that he was going through so much pain and that he’s now gone. He was such a nice and humble guy that he spread peace every time he was around, his smile was contagious that even if you were having a bad day he would bring the smile out of you. I even had a nickname for him “Curly” because of his hair, and I would always mess with it hoping he wouldn’t get upset. Which he didn’t he would just smile and say it was okay.

Curly you will be missed :-( Heaven now has another Angel.

Veronica Lopez

Dear Shelly .The words cannot express devastated I was learning about Alex passing .All your coworkers feel your pain .We are all so sorry . We are all praying for You and your family .We are thinking about you and your family daily .Sending prayers . Your Friends from work

It is with profound sadness that we send our love and prayers. May you know the comfort of God in this difficult time.

Christ Holiness Apostolic Temple, Cedar Rapids

I can't begin to imagine what you are going through. The pain of losing a child is unthinkable. My heart truly goes out to you Russell and Angie and your entire family. May loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort. You are in my prayers.

Pastor Julie Goodlett

You have my deepest condolences in your time of sorrow. Please remember that I am praying for you and your family

Thinking of you all in this difficult time. My prayers to Alex and all of you.

My prayers r with you Shelly and Russell . Annie and Earl

Deepest sympathies and gratitude for such a candid obituary. May this help others struggling in similar ways. Prayers of comfort as you walk through this.gh

Dear Family of Alex Johnson.

We were so saddened to hear of Alex's passing, and also of his struggles. We remember him so fondly in his younger years and marveled at his abilities. We remember him and his siblings with the kindness that you all have showed others.

We send love and sympathy.

Maurita Murphy Marx

Mackenzie Mead

Sending healing thoughts and prayers. so many happy, silly, fun memories of a wonderful person. Peace be with you all.

We are so saddened to hear of Alex's death. Our hearts are broken and our prayers are with you all. Russell- I remember so fondly all your updates about basketball when you'd come to get someone for radiology when I worked in the ER and the joy that came across your face when speaking about your kids. Shelly- Bill heard today at the VA in clinic and he says everyone sends their prayers. We are so sorry you all have to walk down this dark sad path. Katie and Bill

To the Johnson family: I am so sorry for this devastatingoss. My heart, and my prayers, are with you all.

So very saddened to learn of your loss. Such a talented young individual with so much to offer the world. My heart aches for your sadness. It is my hope the joy of memories will sustain you through this difficult time.

Kindest regards.

To the Johnson family,

Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your child.

In sympathy, Jeff and Teri Snell

I'll never forget having Alex in class while I was student teaching at South East. He was such a positive, fun person. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Peace and Prayers to you, Alex's family and close friends. Thanks for sharing his story; I am grateful to have met him and am so sorry for his recent mental health struggles. Gone to soon.

My heart aches for you all - I knew Alex in Iowa City and remember his kindness and laughter. I saw him often on bus rides when he was at Iowa and we would chat and laugh. I am so sorry he was in so much pain.

Thank you so much for sharing the journey and life of Alex. We were privledged to get to be a part of Alex and Phyliss life through sporting events and we truly saw the beautiful people they both are. It is so tragic and sad that Alex had this path due to injuries and that he had to go through so much. It deeply saddens our hearts. Please know we are thinking of your family and praying that Alex is now at peace. <3

Shelly, my heart is breaking for you and your family. I learned of Alex's passing at Bethel AME Church on Sunday and I have been - and will be - keeping you in my prayers.

Kbqy

While I did not know Alex, he is part of my Hawkeye family. I feel this loss and send my deepest condolences to the family and everyone he was close to.

I came upon Alexander‘s obituary as I browsed other obituaries in the Press Citizen online. While I did not know Alexander or was acquainted with him, his obituary was so beautifully written that I am saddened by the loss of his life. My heartfelt condolences.

Sending love support and prayers to all

I went to school with the twins and Dowlin. This breaks my heart to know that Alex has passed and I send my up most respect to his family for supporting his honor and wishes to be recognized for who he felt he was deep inside. I can’t begin to imagine the pain his wonderful family is experiencing but please grieve in his honor and remember he’s in a better place now where he is free from his demons. May the lord welcome this sweet gracious soul and spirit into the pearly gates. God bless

Words can not express the sympathy I feel for your family at this time of your loss. Sending prayers.

Dearest Russell, Angie and family-

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Words can not even begin to adequately express our sadness for your great loss. Please know that your many, many friends, loved ones and "work family" will be here to pull you through the deep and dark days ahead,today and always. Continued prayers to you all. XOXO

Sincerely,

Clint and Kim Grantham

I don’t know you personally but a great friend of mine has told me some about you all I can say is you are my prayers and my thoughts !!!! With all great things with Gods help time will heal !!!

Our family truly enjoyed Alex, his easy smile and kind soul. He is a child of God!

Russell,

I am so sorry for your loss and for your entire family. Everyone who knows you knows how important your family, especially your kids, are to you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go forward.

Holly

Russell,

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your whole family. I know by talks on the Campbus how special your family is. May he be in a better place.

With Sympathy,

Deborah Davey

Orthopedic Scheduling

Russell and Shelly and family, I am so sorry.

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Shelly. Words cannot express my deepest sympathy for you. All that matters was he was a beautiful soul and God has welcomed him home.

So sorry to hear of this. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Russell and Shelley

We send our deepest condolences to you and the rest of your family. Losing a child is one of the most unimaginable events we as parents can go through. Please remain faithful to your higher power for that will sustain you through these days and years ahead.

Peace and Grace to you.

Alex was always attentive and kind to the people around him. This is powerful and deeply saddening. Thank you for having the courage to tell his story in the obituary and to underscore his experiences. This is a story to be known and shared.

My heart goes out to Alex’s family & all who loved him at this time of such sadness.

Maureen (Traci’s 2nd cousin)

Growing up I knew who Alex and Phylliss were before meeting them, hearing about their athletic talent through the grapevine of other east side Iowa City elementary school kids.

When I finally met Alex I made a friend who would always make me feel welcome throughout junior high and high school. Alex somehow was friends with everyone, his laughter and positive attitude transcended any clique.

I don’t know many people who make so many others feel at ease, and the world has certainly been left with a higher standard for kindness because of Alex.

My thoughts and condolences are with Phylliss and everyone else hurting from this loss.

With love,

Sarah Mitchell

Thank you for sharing Alex's story with such honesty and bravery. Alex sounds like a person who attempted to smile through the struggle. I cannot understand the pain of loosing a child, but I do know God will heal. I can imagine Alex meeting God and being surrounded in unconditional love, security and non judgement...perhaps living in a world that lacks love, security and acceptance was the hell he was trying to escape. Alex did not die in vain, his story, based on your honestly will help others. Thank you for sharing your child with the world.

My son is a couple years younger but we are also a former Lemme & City High family. As a parent lucky enough to pick my son up most days & volunteer at Lemme, I was familiar with Alex & his sister. Physically beautiful, clearly gifted athletically & spoken of with highest regard by building staff, they were a striking pair. I enjoyed following their successes as they moved on to City as well.

I don’t have words to properly express the deep sorrow I feel for your entire family. The news of Alex’s passing moved swiftly around Facebook yesterday here in Iowa City. I just would like your family to know that I think the obituary written was absolutely beautiful. It cleary shows your deep love, devotion to & support of Alex, in what was clearly an overwhelming set of life circumstances. May you find peace in the fact that he has.

Sincerely,

Lisa & Logan Crawford

I am sorry for your loss.

I was on the City High track team with Alex. I’ll always remember hearing him cheering for me, and for everyone. He had a very calming, cheerful presence that I really appreciated when I was nervous or scared about a track meet. He made so many people’s lives brighter. I’m sending my love to Alex’s family.

Shelly - this is your Aunt Donna (married once to your Uncle Don). Now you may remember me.

Christy sent me new of Alex's homegoing. My heart and prayers go out to you. I'm so very sorry.

It sounds like he was a remarkable person - and you wrote a beautiful obit. Please know that I

will continue prayers for all of your family. I mourn with you. God give you comfort and beautiful

memories of a remarkable young man. God loves him!

Sending comforting thoughts to all the family. I met Alex through his father and step-mother and vividly remember his smile. I can't imagine the despair the entire family mist feel. Please know that I'm just one of many who have good memories of Alex! Blessings.

We are devastated to hear this horrible news. From the time Alexander's Mom made all of us 'Proud to be in Bluder's Bunch" shirts in 2011, we have had special memories of this talented person. All our thoughts are with you. Tim and Colleen Doolittle

Truly wanted to correspond my deepest condolences to his family... I did not know you guys personally but have found memories of seeing Alex and his twin sister walking up and down 1st Ave bouncing a basketball. I would be at awe to see beautiful twins girls so into that very moment. Prayers and strength to his family.

My heart aches for you and for Alex's uncertainty as to whether or not he is a child of God. I hope and pray that he is with God and no longer hears those voices and is certain of how much God loves him. May this same God guide all of you in the days ahead. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.