Jim Edwards

1931 - 2016

Jim Edwards, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2016. Jim was a true Alaska pioneer living a big and full Alaskan life. Jim first visited the ghost town of McCarthy in 1951, and liked it well enough to make that his home for 65 years. In 2012, Jim was recognized as the longest living McCarthy resident. Jim first moved to Cordova, Alaska, where he worked for a few years and learned to fly. He flew commercially, primarily mail, over the years including a stint working for "Mudhole" Smith. Flying was a true love and he enjoyed flying many places in Alaska and the Lower 48. He owned a few airplanes including two home built planes, a RV4 and a Zenith 701. Jim had many adventures in Alaska including, a solo hike from Chitina to Cordova along the Copper River, gold mining in "Radovan Gulch," annual hikes to the Jumbo Mine, up to age 80 (often out hiking his much younger companions), and climbing various ridges and mountains in the Wrangell-St. Elias range. On one such adventure in the '60s, Jim used his bulldozer to tow a caravan of sleds on a nearly month long winter trip from Chitina to McCarthy. The caravan contained barrels of fuel, supplies and his wife's 1949 Chevy. Despite challenges like ice overflow, mechanical breakdowns and crossing wooden railroad trestles built in the 1920s, he delivered his wife's car safe and sound. Jim was a true bush inventor. Every engine, part and scrap of metal was carefully stored for future modification and use. For example, parts from several vehicles and some wooden decking became his favorite Ford model A truck christened, "Rigormortis." The vehicle is on display after the first footbridge on the way to the town of McCarthy. Jim loved a good pun, Sunday comics and had a lifelong fondness for a good checkered flannel shirt. Jim traveled the world and enjoyed hosting many visitors from other countries in his McCarthy homestead. He will be remembered fondly, not only in this country, but many others. Jim is preceded in death by wives, Maxine and Pat. Jim is survived by his wife, Audrey Edwards of Anchorage, Alaska; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Lana Edwards of Wasilla, Alaska; daughter, Shelly Edwards of Anchorage; and grandsons, Ben and Jake Edwards. Per Jim's wishes, there will be no formal services held. The family will be hosting a celebration of life at the McCarthy homestead on July 16, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please bring your own stories and memories of Jim to share. This will be a celebration of a life well lived in a place he loved.