James Arnett Young

Former Alaska resident James Arnett Young, 37, passed away in Black Canyon City, Ariz., on Jan. 19, 2010, from diabetes.

A celebration of James’ life will be held on Feb. 13, 2010, at Tailgater’s Sports Bar and Grill, 161 West Parks Highway, Wasilla, Alaska at 2 p.m.

James was born Jan. 16, 1973, in Hayward, Calif. He spent his formative years in California, Washington and Alaska.

After graduating high school in Alaska, he pursued his dream of truck driving. He trained and drove long haulers in California. Later he moved to Richland, Wash., and worked as a tow truck operator. Upon return to Alaska he became an expediter for a power line company.

James helped raise two children, Brittany and Christopher Maynard. Health problems led James to warmer Arizona, where he enrolled in the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. Unfortunately, his health prevented him from continuing at MMI.

James loved his “boy” toys and trucks. He had every gadget imaginable and never met an auto parts store he didn’t like. He spent his time tinkering and playing with radio-controlled cars and aircraft. He loved the outdoors and fishing. In his youth, James loved camping, fly-in fishing trips and exploring the outdoors with his Dad and Joanne. He also loved to sail.

His kids enjoyed cooking and viewing The History Channel with him. In recent years he developed a fondness for Texas hold’em. He had an eye for a pretty woman. His parents called him a “social butterfly” because he never met a stranger.

James is survived by his father and step-mom, Kenneth and Joanne Young (Wasilla); step-dad, Dale Adkins (Wilseyville, Calif.); children Christopher and Brittany Maynard (Wasilla); his beloved dog, Jake; close friend, Debbie Theuerl (Phoenix, Ariz.); numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sherelle “Diane” Adkins and his beloved grandmother, Florence Young.

A celebration of James’ life was held in Arizona on Jan. 27 at the Bradshaw Mountain RV Resort clubhouse. His cremains were brought to Alaska by his parents per James’ request.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local food bank or local charities in James’ name if you choose.