MELVIN JAMES

Wasilla resident Melvin Harold James, 85, died Oct. 11, 2008 at Michael’s Place, NorthStar Assisted Living in Palmer.

A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. today, Friday, Oct. 17 at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 S. Check St., Wasilla. Pastor Don Brendtro of Abundant Life Church of Wasilla will officiate. Following will be a graveside service with military honors at 1 p.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.

James was born March 3, 1923 in Quitaque, Texas. As a young man, he picked fruit in California. After military service in World War II, he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. He also became a cement mason in California and continued that endeavor after moving to Alaska in 1968. He also worked on the pipeline doing many different tasks. He had a lifetime of union activity, including union stewardship.

“He loved his neighbors, his friends at the Knik Bar and the ladies at First National Bank,” his family wrote.

Survivors are his daughter Linda (Noel) Lammers of Omaha, Neb.; son Barry Tim James of Wasilla; grandsons Josh (Lacy) James of Anchorage, Chris (Teri) Klemme of Lusk, Wyo., Tim (Beth) Klemme and Mike (Christy) Klemme of Omaha; sister-in-law Mary Alice James of Fairbanks; two great-grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Willa Dean James, and granddaugher Melissa James.