JAMES S. HERMON

Palmer resident James S. Hermon, 74, died at his home May 14, 2003. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, May 20, at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 440 E. Elmwood Avenue in Palmer.

Mr. Hermon was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Lawrence, Ind., to Hilda Rose and John Henry Hermon.

Mr. Hermon moved to Palmer in 1935 with his parents who were part of the "Colonists" who settled the Valley. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1946. In 1948 he married Marianne Bryant at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

As a young man he worked for the Alaska Road Commission, now called the Department of Transportation. In the mid-50s, Jim and his brother Ben began Hermon Brothers Construction Company. This successful company built many roads, airports, bridges and schools throughout Alaska.

His family said, "He was caring and passionate about his community." He was an Alaska State Fair board member. He was active in the Mat-Su Property Owners Association, the Alaska Outdoor Association, and a member of the Elks, Moose and Masonic lodges in Palmer. In April 2003 he retired from the MEA board after 10 years of service.

Mr. Hermon is survived by his wife, Marianne; daughter and son-in-law, Sue Boyle and Gerald Throne; sons and daughters-in-law, James and Suzanne S. Hermon, Jr. of Lewis, Colorado, Sam S. Hermon of Palmer; Leslie B. and Barbara Hermon of Riodoso, New Mexico; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ben and Eve Hermon of Palmer; George and Dona Hermon of Palmer, Harold and Lorraine Hermon of Palmer, Neil and Kathryn Hermon of Palmer; grandchildren, Steven Hermon, Leslie Trader, Sam Hermon Jr., Stephanie Hermon, Kimberly Hermon, Stacey Hermon, Cole Hermon, Garret Hermon, Tracy Boyle, Keith Boyle and Hugh Wade; great-grandchildren, Kyle and Jaden Trader, Emilee and Lilly Badger and Alex Hermon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilda Rose and John Henry Hermon; his sisters, Elizabeth Onkka and Doris June Fritz; and his brother, Thomas Hermon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be sent to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.