IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- As the first-ever elected African American to become Jeanerette's mayor, James T.K. Alexander paved the way for people like current mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr.

"In many ways, he was like an older brother to me, and he was able to share what he had experienced in giving me advice as to how the rule of law and rule of operations would work," Bourgeois said.

T.K. Alexander was elected as mayor in 1995 and served until 1999. He finished with 12 years of public service as an elected official. He passed away on Sunday.

Bourgeois said Alexander's work in community engagement, by bringing more parks and recreation to Jeanerette, is still felt today.

"One of the key things we do realize, and he realized too, during his time, was that if you can improve the quality of life for a community, it certainly enhances that community to retain citizens as well as attract citizens," he said.

Known as a prideful and hard-working man by many, Bourgeois said Alexander's legacy will live on forever.

"It is with great sadness that the city of Jeanerette will mourn with his family because again, he leaves a great legacy for our community," Bourgeois said.

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