JAMES V. KRACKER JR.

James V. Kracker Jr., 61, died at his home in Butte on Feb. 13, 2004. He was born April 3, 1942, in Massillon, Ohio.

Mr. Kracker entered the Navy, serving three years on aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, then to Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis. He was a Veteran of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion.

He worked his way through college at Hercules Engines, Bell Telephone, Goodyear Rubber, Timken Bearing and other companies in Ohio. He came to Alaska in October 1971 with his best boyhood friend, Nick Fidler, to go hunting, and remained here. He met Erica the first day he arrived in Willow and they were married in 1974. He worked at Klondike Concrete and at Fort Richardson and attained a bachelor of science degree in political science from the University of Alaska in 1976.

He left Alaska only once in 32 years, to attend Gonzaga University School of Law, where he earned a doctor of law degree in 1982. His greatest interest was politics and he used his training and abilities to participate in many political campaigns, including running for offices himself. He was a founder of the Butte Community Council and served as president for seven years. He served on the Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission, Borough Ethics Board, Transportation Board, and the Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

He was preceded in death by his mother Helen Frank Kracker, and his father James V. Kracker Sr.

His is survived by his wife Erica Zuk Kracker; son James E. Kracker; and brothers Michael Kracker of Wasilla and Charles Kracker of Dellroy, Ohio; and best friend of 52 years, Nick Fidler.

His greatest enjoyments were analyzing and forecasting political developments, and helping his friends. His family said that his finest qualities were intelligence, loyalty, courage and dedication toward helping anyone in need.

A memorial service will be held at the Palmer American Legion Hall on March 14 at 2 p.m., followed by a potluck, and all of his friends are invited.