James “Sonny” Kenneth Atchison

James “Sonny” Kenneth Atchison, 81, died Feb. 5, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Wasilla.

No services are scheduled at James’s request. His ashes will be scattered at Hatcher Pass.

James was born in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of James and Margaret (Gurrill) Atchison.

James graduated from Chaffey High School in Ontario, Calif. He later served his country in the U.S. Navy (1950-1954 and 1957-1961). James moved to Alaska in 1970, living in Palmer and Anchorage before settling in Wasilla. James had worked for Nike Missile Site, but retired from Fort Richardson in 1988.

James wife wrote: “We were sweethearts in the 1950s and went our separate ways, but never forgot each other. After 47 years, we reconnected and were married by the Little Su River in 2002. Sonny was a kind, gentle and very loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.”

Surviving are his loving wife, Kay Atchison of Wasilla; daughter, Kathi Nielsen of Irvine, Calif.; son, Don Bohlmann of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; granddaughters, Kambria Nielsen of San Diego, Calif.; Kassidy Nielsen of San Diego, Calif.; Kymberli Nielsen of San Diego, Calif.; and Kelsi Bohlmann of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; and grandson, Tyler Bohlmann of Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Preceding him in death was his sister, Lorrana Wood.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. An obituary and guestbook are online at AlaskanFuneral.com.