James F. Trask Jr.

Longtime Alaskan and Willow resident James F. Trask Jr., 67, died at his residence due to natural causes from a longtime illness.

Private family services were held.

James was born Feb. 10, 1944, in Glendale, Calif., the son of James Sr. and Jeanette (Weeks) Trask. James moved to Alaska in 1982 and lived in Wasilla and Willow. He had various employments, including Western Nuclear, Independence Gold Mine, Cambior Alaska (Valdez Creek Gold Mine), Sitka Gold, Nordic Calista and Nabors Alaska. He retired from the oilfield and gold mine industries of Alaska in 2000. James enjoyed music, motorcycles, water sports, skiing and especially enjoyed friends and family.

His daughter Michelle wrote, “My Dad was not the kind of dad to say ‘turn the music down.’ He always said, ‘I love this song. turn it up.’”

His son Matt wrote, “My Dad was the greatest father I could ever ask for. He was a kind, thoughtful man. His wife, kids, grandkids and extended family were his life. He will be truly missed.”

His daughter Kimberly wrote, “My Dad was the best dad and husband anyone could ever have. Everyone who met him loved him, even if it was a first meeting. His friends and family were his life. We love and miss him dearly. You are my hero and will always be with me!”

Preceding him in death were his parents, James Sr. and Jeanette Trask.

He is survived by his wife, Cheri Lou Trask of Willow; daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly Trask-Hollibaugh and Terry Hollibaugh of Wasilla; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Vernon Clare of Wasilla; son, Matthew Trask of Wasilla; brother-in-law, Bryan Hinton of Wasilla; mother-in-law, Phyllis L. Hinton of Wasilla; grandkids, Kierstyn Hollibaugh, Joshua Hollibaugh, Zackery Hollibaugh, Ty Clare, Paige Clare, Joseph Trask, Jason Trask, Kaitlyn Trask, Matthew Trask and Jeffrey Trask, all of Wasilla; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill Holland and Jeri Holland, both of Schertz, Texas; and nephews, Jeffrey and Billy Holland, both of Schertz, Texas.

Memorial contributions may be made in James’s memory to American Heart and Lung Association File 30947, P.O. Box 60000 San Francisco, CA 94160.

Valley Funeral Home and Crematory of Wasilla cared for the family.