James Kerkove

On the evening of January 07, 2016, James Michael Kerkove passed away at home in Wasilla, Alaska.

There will be a Celebration of Jim’s life on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at Evangelos Restaurant located in the lower level banquet room at 2 p.m.. Evangelos is located at 2530 East Parks Highway, Wasilla. For more information call 373-0328.

Jim was born in Pipestone, Minnesota on March 28, 1949. He was the fourth of six children born to Alfred and Evelyn Kerkove. His family moved to Alaska in 1959. Jim graduated from East Anchorage High School in 1967. After graduation, Jim joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 1281. He worked as a Journeyman Carpenter, foreman and general foreman for over 40 years for various construction firms, i.e. Vern Hickel Construction, Ken Brady Construction, and Neeser Construction. He worked on construction of commercial buildings, parking garages and schools throughout the state. He retired in 2008.

In 1968, Jim married Cheryl Bahner and later divorced in 1980.

In 1982, Jim married Stephanie Chapman and together they raised six children. During their time together Jim built four beautiful homes for his family. He was an excellent finish carpenter with an eye for detail.

Jim greatly enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with friends and family. In 2014 and 2015 Jim and Stephanie took their motorhome south touring the lower 48, visiting family and friends and visiting the historic sites they had only read about. He was a loving brother, husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Jim is Survived by spouse, Stephanie; sisters, Jane Hull and Diane Knickerbocker; brother, Greg Kerkove; sons, James Jr., Travis, Jason, and Davin; step-son, Brett Chapman and step-daughter, Cassandra Graham, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carol Hull, and sister Linda Voliva.

Arrangements were under the direction of Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel. Please Visit Jim’s online guest book and obituary at www.AlaskanFuneral.com.