James Michael Campbell

James Michael Campbell, 44, died unexpectedly Aug. 14, 2011, in Talkeetna.

Known to his friends and family as Jim or Jimmy, he lived his life on his own terms. Born in the backseat of a Lincoln Continental, Jim never settled for a conventional existence. He loved to hunt and fish, earning the nickname “Bent Rod.” When the kings weren’t running, he wasn’t panning for gold and he had enough venison, Jim worked laying tile or helping friends with cutting wood, home remodeling and as a wildlife and hunting guide.

Living a subsistence lifestyle, he read Western novels by lantern light and cooked on a woodstove. It was a life he enjoyed — basking in the beauty of Alaska’s great outdoors.

Jim is survived by his mother, Sylvia Ray; father, James (Judy) Campbell; sons, James Thomas (J.T.) Warner and Michael Campbell; sisters, Arlene (Kevin) Walsh and Tammy (David) Stachowicz; granddaughter, Ryleigh Campbell; very special long-term friend, Ginny Lyman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is 4 p.m., Aug. 27 at the H&H Lounge in Talkeetna. Services in Michigan are on Aug. 26.

Arrangements were by the Cremation Society of Alaska. An online guestbook in honor of Jim can be signed at alaskacremation.com.