James Marion Herndon

James Marion Herndon was born on Jan. 25, 1947, in Bethany, Missouri. Jim’s 70-year journey came to an end on Sept. 10, 2017, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim served in the United States Army for three years during the Vietnam era. It was his service in the army that brought him to Alaska. Jim fell in love with the beauty of Alaska and decided to call Alaska home. Jim met Penny Redmond at Sears, where they both worked, in the early 70s.

Jim worked in many different departments as a mechanic for the Municipality of Anchorage and ACS. He retired after 27 years of employment in 2005.

Jim was an avid Alaskan outdoorsman. He took great pleasure being outside, enjoying every season of Alaska; fishing all summer, hunting in the fall, snow-machining and ice fishing all winter. The cold temperatures never deterred him from a great Alaskan adventure. Jim’s favorite place to be and embark on his adventures was the family cabin at Lake Louise, where was affectionately known as “Bones.”

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Marion Maxine Brodahl from Colorado; his father, Donald O. Herndon from Missouri; and his stepfather, Al Akins from Colorado.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Penny Herndon; daughter, Kellie Merrill; son-in-law, Toby Merrill; grandchildren, Maverick and Kaylee Merrill; in-laws, Donald and Barbara Redmond- all from Wasilla, Alaska; sister, Kathy Potter of Colorado; brother, Jesse Akins of Oklahoma; as well as many brother and sister in-laws.

There will be a celebration of life at the family cabin during the summer of 2018.