Alexander, Jacqueline (Baker) (Talsma) (03/17/40‐‐07/26/1978). Jackie Baker from Glascow, Montana made a big impression in her two years at Grinnell (1957‐59). She was a cheerleader and the Military Ball Queen. She also was crowned Miss Grinnell and Miss Iowa in 1959 and thus was a contestant in the subsequent Miss America contest. Jackie was a member of the Canter Club and lived in James and Loose Halls. After Grinnell, she attended the State University of Iowa for a year and the University of
Washington for another year.
In 1960 Jackie married Jack E. Talsma, M.D. After their divorce, she and Thomas Alexander were married. She died in Dallas, Texas in 1978, survived by her second husband, her mother and a brother.
One word that was always associated with Jackie was “beautiful.” Her beauty, however, ran way further than skin deep. Those who knew her at Grinnell affirm that she never spoke ill of anyone. Jackie was very bright and had to know that she caused many guys’ hearts to flutter. But she remained totally unaffected by it all and a kind person to the core. She was smart and kind and a joy to be around.
Cancer took Jackie way too early, and the world is poorer for the loss. We all miss her a lot.
By David A. Nixon
