Walter James Shampine

Walter James Shampine

Walter James Shampine passed away on Dec. 12, 2016 peacefully following a stroke. He was born June 6, 1923 in Rossie, upstate New York.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, and wife of 63 years, Marjorie and also by his daughter Marion Kennedy. Walter is survived by his son Alvin (Mary) Shampine of Wasilla, Alaska and daughter Marjorie (John) Harris of Skagway, Alaska. Walter is also survived by his grandchildren Danny (Maria) Kennedy; Elizabeth (Joe) Bradley; Crystal Harris; Clayton (Alexandria) Harris; Michelle Harris; Erica Harris; Monica Harris; Kalon Shampine; Kolton Shampine; and his great grandchildren Fallwyn Kennedy, Quinlin Kennedy and Rhyhannon Bradley.

Walter was transferred to Alaska by the Air Force in 1957 and he and his family drove to Alaska on the Alcan Highway. He was a World War II veteran and retired from the United States Air Force in 1964. Walter and his family homesteaded outside of Wasilla after the earthquake in 1964. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Wasilla and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He had many stories of days on the homestead, and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards especially pinochle. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and church family.

Walter’s funeral service will be on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 at 11 am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1201 E. Bogard Road, Wasilla. Father Joseph McGilloway officiating.