James Grizzell Jr.

James Vernon Grizzell Jr. passed away Jan. 8, 2008, at Providence Alaska Medical Center. He was 84.

A graveside service was held Jan. 14 at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery. Pallbearers were Keith Mellinger, Stephen Mellinger, Jeffrey Mellinger, Jim Grizzell III and Ryan Grizzell.

Grizzell was born March 17, 1923, in Los Angeles. He graduated from the University of Oregon School of Architecture and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941-45. He was a survivor of the Battle of the Coral Sea aboard the Carrier USS Lexington CV2, which sunk May 8, 1942.

Grizzell began his residency in Alaska in 1995 and lived in Wasilla. He was employed as a chief draftsman and office manager for a Pasadena, Calif., office, had his own business in Pasadena from 1964 to 1978 and was director of construction for Farmers Insurance Co. in Los Angeles from 1979 to 1988. He retired in 1988. Grizzell was an active life member of the VFW, American Legion Post 15, Disabled American Veterans Post 3 and the U.S. Seagoing Marine Association. His hobbies included architecture and helping with designs. He also had been the architect for Mat-Su Borough historic preservation.

He was known by all as a kind, gentle and caring person. He always had an open heart and mind to hear others. He was a man who expressed pride in his country and was proud of his service to his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Grizzell is survived by his wife, Ruth Grizzell, whom he married in 1980; son James V. Grizzell III of Virginia; step-sons Jeffrey (Kim) Mellinger of Virginia, Stephen (Mary) Mellinger of Hawaii and Keith Mellinger of Kansas; step-daughters Julie Stokes of Oregon and Nancy (Jeff) McFall of Washington; grandchildren Ryan (Angie) Grizzell of Maryland, Adam Formella of Nevada, Liza Formella of New Jersey, Sandra Sullivan of Georgia, Mike Mellinger of Georgia, Stephanie (Ethan) Sutherland of Texas, Katherine (Ben) Burleson of Hawaii, Pamela (Stephen) Sandy of Alaska, Zachary Mellinger of Nevada, Kelsay McFall and Garrett McFall of Washington and Mackenzie Stokes of Oregon; nephew Lloyd White of Oregon; and his prior wife, Lillian Grizzell of California. He was preceded in death by daughter Patti Formella.

Memorial donations can be made to any military

organization.