James Robert Vrooman

James Robert Vrooman, 92, born of Willard and Mildred Vrooman January 12, 1923, passed from us July 30, 2015.

He was active and sharp up until his last days. His daughter Jamie Bagley was at his bedside and daughter Lynda Peters was with him telephonically. Also surviving are his stepsons, Gordon, Bill and Curtis Stokes; stepdaughter, Cheryl Krajnik; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He rallied to join the U.S. Navy during World War II, seeing action as a Radio Technician in the West Central Pacific. He received a commendation and ribbon for meritorious service. His Navy training led to a future career with the Civilian Aeronautics Authority (later Federal Aviation Administration). Before he retired in 1972 he was managing the maintenance of FAA’s Alaska remote stations. He became a pilot, adding commercial and instrument pilot ratings, which he loved and helped with his FAA career. Always looking for a challenge he built a house on L St. in Anchorage, a cabin on Beaver Lake, raced sailboats on Big Lake and became an accomplished musician. One of his true joys was fine woodworking, turning out many heirloom furniture pieces.

Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. (WASI) became his home as well as a new challenge serving on The WASI Board as well as on the finance, governance, executive director search and housing committees. He was instrumental in developing a WASI endowment fund and committee and advising on long-term goals for Alaska’s seniors. Having written his life story himself he organized a popular writing class for seniors.

Jim was very active and very sharp mentally, always quick with a response and a valuable source of advice. He was always taking college level correspondence courses and loved driving his Cadillac, which he did safely clear into his last days. He led a good and full life and touched the lives and hearts of everyone he met.

Services for Jim are at 2 p.m., Saturday August 8 at WASI, 1301 S Century Circle in Wasilla.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to WASI.