A visitation for Wasilla resident James D. Milne, 84, will be on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, Wasilla. Burial of his ashes will be this summer at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.

James died Jan. 26 at Harbor View Assisted Living in Wasilla. He was born July 28, 1926, in Duluth, Minn. He served as a pharmacy medic in the Navy during WWII and received two Bronze Stars and other Combat Action ribbons. James had a doctorate degree and was a professor of education. He managed different non-profit organizations over the years and he owned a Tuxedo Warehouse for a while. He helped many people in the Korean and Alaska Native community over the years. He belonged to the Community Problems Center and P.A.C.E. (Projects for the Advancement of Creativity in Education). He enjoyed garage sales, gardening and baking.

According to his family, “James was a man who had a big heart. He would do anything and everything he could to help you when you asked. He had a smile that was warm and a laugh that was contagious. James led a very interesting life and if there was anything he didn’t try yet, it was only because he did not know it was out there. He left his footprint in the hearts of those he met and the family will always remember that he lived life his way.” James is survived by a brother, Robert Milne of Minnesota; five sisters, Dorothy Milne, Kathryn Milne, Theresa Milne, Mary Milne and Fran Milne all of Minnesota; step-son, George Mendiola of Wasilla; granddaughter, Bertha Mendiola of Wasilla; grandson, Elliott Mendiola of Wasilla; two great-grandchildren, Melanie and Aden Mendiola, both of Wasilla.

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, Wasilla.