James Paul Morton

Wasilla resident James Paul Morton, Jr., 54, passed away on April 11, 2010, at his home in Wasilla. There will be a Celebration of Life on April 23 at 3 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave., in Wasilla.

James was born on April 27, 1955, to Anna Mae (Davis) and James Paul Morton Sr. in Oklahoma City, Okla.

In 1959, James moved to Alaska, living in Kenai. He moved to several different places, including Anchorage in 1972, moved to Hawaii in 1987 and then to Arizona before moving back to Alaska, making Wasilla his home.

He was raised Baptist around Rocksprings Baptist Church with family and grandparents, Wesley and Joann Davis. He belonged to the Seminole-Nation of Oklahoma and he also belonged to the Newcomer Band and is of the Bear Clan. He enjoyed fishing as well as photography.

“James was known to friends and family as Junior. He enjoyed spending time camping and fishing in Alaska, especially on the Russian River. He attended Dimond High School in Anchorage. He worked as a plumber in Anchorage and Hawaii before moving to Arizona. Junior enjoyed photography and became certified in Oklahoma City before returning to Alaska, where he met his current wife, Angela. Junior is remembered as making others smile and for his friendship to others. He enjoyed having barbecues and said his favorite view was of the Hawaiian sunset at a beach,” his family stated.

James is survived by wife, Angela Morton of Wasilla; mother, Anna Mae Morton of Wasilla; sister, Maria Knutson of Palmer; step-daughter, Kirstalee Young of Anchorage; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles of Alaska, Oklahoma and Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his father James P. Morton Sr.; sister, Elley Morton Hayes; brother, Wesley W. Morton, better known as (Beanie), and sister, Patricia Sue Lace (Sue Bee).

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.