James 'Ryan' Calkins

James “Ryan” Calkins died Dec. 20, 2010, at Providence Alaska Medical Center from heart failure at the age of 32.

Ryan was born Sept. 5, 1978, in Omaha, Neb., to J.R. and Jean Calkins. The family moved to Alaska in 1989. Ryan always loved Alaska and considered it his home. He loved to hunt, fish, camp and to go four-wheeling.

Ryan was an avid guitar player for years and loved music. His favorite story was about his band opening for Pantera at the Sullivan Arena in July 1997.

He graduated from Chugiak High School in 1997. He served in the U.S. Navy from 2001-2005 as an avionics technician in Squadron VF-31.

Ryan always said his ideal job would be to travel the United States and find the best cheeseburger, so his family will be having cheeseburgers for Christmas while Ryan has his “Cheeseburger in Paradise” (a favorite Jimmy Buffet song).

Ryan was an organ donor.

Survivors include his parents, J.R. and Jean Calkins of Wasilla; sisters, Shannan Calkins of Yakima, Wash., and Adrianne Strout of Anchorage; nephews, Jaiden Calkins and Trey Strout; and grandmothers Phyllis Napiecek of Maryville, Mo., and Ernestine Goldsberry of Green Valley, Ariz. He also leaves aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

A celebration of life will be held in a few weeks. Please check his Facebook page for details.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank: The Ryan Calkins Memorial Fund, account No. 6734578468. The family asks anyone donating to please leave contact information so thay can be thanked.

Cremation arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.