Provident, Inc.

James William Alverson (Doran) was a cherished Life Crisis volunteer.  For 9 years, Mr. Alverson dedicated his time and energy to help hotline callers work through a crisis...he volunteered to save lives.

On November 14, 2009, Mr. Alverson died from leukemia.  Life Crisis Services is saddened by the loss of Mr. Alverson and his contributions to our community.  Our hearts are with Mr. Alverson's wife, children and grand children.

 

 

 

 

Obituary - Alverson, James William (a.k.a. James W. Doran) died at his home on November 14, 2009 from acute myelogenous leukemia. He was 83. Mr. Alverson was born in Chicago to parents who were vaudeville performers; his father was a singer, his mother an organist. Mr. Alverson graduated from Soldan High School in 1944. He attended Jordan Music Conservatory, and performed in the Muny Opera chorus for seven seasons. In 1952, he married Gretchen Smalley with whom he remained married for 57 years. He obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees in History and Education from Washington University. In 1958, Mr. Alverson joined the faculty at John Burroughs School in St. Louis County. He would remain there for his entire career until his final retirement in 1999. Mr. Alverson was not only a history and philosophy teacher, Chair of the History Department, and Director of the Summer School, but he was an inspiration for his students for 41 years. In retirement, he continued to teach philosophy to John Burroughs seniors, volunteered at Life Crisis, and participated in regional chess tournaments. Survivors include his wife, Gretchen, son Jamey Alverson, twin daughters Susan Alverson and Christina Morefield, son William Alverson, grandchildren Melissa, Jimmy, Michael, Robbie, Grace, and Henry. He is also survived by son-in-law Todd Morefield; daughters-in-law Cynthia Alverson, Wendy Auslander and Marissa Barbeaux. As a long term participant in the Memory and Aging Project at Washington University, he has willed his brain to science. His remains will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at John Burroughs School on Sunday November 22 at 3:00 p.m. Memorial Contributions can be made to John Burroughs School, 755 South Price Road, Ladue, Mo. 63124.

View Mr. Alverson's obituary at St. Louis Post Dispatch online.