Alex’s Story
Alex was a scholar, a global citizen, and a devoted friend — driven by principle, defined by discipline, and remembered for his heart.
John Alexander “Alex” Ivey was born on February 15, 2002, in Plano, Texas, to John Kemmerer Ivey and Kristina Larionova Ivey. From his earliest days, Alex’s life was shaped by both challenge and extraordinary resilience.
At a young age, he was diagnosed with profound hearing loss — a reality that came with heavy expectations. Doctors said he might never speak or process language in a “normal” way. Some recommended he be placed in a school for the deaf. But Alex had other plans.
With the support of his parents and early speech therapists, he received a cochlear implant at age five and was enrolled in public school. Armed with a bulky FM transmitter and a front-row seat in class, Alex started proving people wrong — fast.
Even though he often felt out of place and sometimes bullied, those years shaped one of his greatest strengths: empathy. Alex knew what it felt like to be different, and he made it his life’s mission to make everyone feel like they belonged.
A Life of Achievement
In 2014, the Ivey family moved to Boerne, Texas, and everything began to click. Alex found his rhythm in academics, music, Scouting, and leadership. He:
Won district, regional, and state medals in UIL competitions
Captained the Boerne High School Drumline
Wrote a winning patriotic essay for the VFW competition
Became an Eagle Scout, completing a 175-mile hike at Philmont Scout Ranch, including a summit of Mount Baldy
Graduated summa cum laude in 2020
Alex’s Eagle project benefited the Cibolo Creek Nature Center — a nod to his deep love of nature, service, and quiet reflection.
Global Citizen, Deep Thinker
Alex’s intellectual curiosity knew no borders. He completed service projects in Peru, Tanzania, and Nigeria, and traveled across five continents with dreams of becoming a diplomat or international lawyer. He was determined to visit all seven.
He arrived at the University of Texas at Austin already carrying 38 college credits, and a $20,000 scholarship from GVTC Communications for his service to the community. He majored in International Relations & Government, became President of Delta Sigma Phi, and was awarded the Order of the Sphinx, the fraternity’s highest honor.
He studied abroad in Paris, and in 2024, was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the most prestigious academic honor society in the country. He was also a Distinguished College Scholar, consistently named to the Dean’s List, and graduated with highest distinction in 2024.
A Legal Mind, A Loyal Friend
Alex went on to enroll at UT School of Law, where he quickly found his stride. He was active in moot court and mock trial, and deeply respected by faculty and classmates alike.
Those close to him knew the kind of person he was — principled, curious, loyal, driven, and deeply kind. He held his friends to a high standard because he held himself to one. He could think five steps ahead, and still make you laugh in the moment.
He was a man of tradition, discipline, and vision — someone who could dream big, get to work, and bring others with him along the way.
A Legacy That Lives On
Alex passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2025, for reasons still under investigation. His absence is deeply felt by all who knew him — and even those who only just started to.
He is survived by:
His parents, John and Kristina Ivey
His brothers, Cameron and Andrew
Grandparents Adrian and Jelena Mitchell
Great-grandmother Alexandra Kushina
Aunts and uncles Todd and Jane, George and Nancy
Cousins Colter, Chris, and Sydney
More than the accolades, more than the milestones — Alex’s life was defined by the people he lifted up, the standard he set, and the courage he showed in simply being himself.
His story isn’t over. We are the ones who continue it.