James Dunnington Babb Jr., 78, passed away on June 4, 2016. A service will be held on July 28, 2016, (marking James' 20th year of sobriety) at 4 p.m. at the Holy Family Cathedral, 800 West 5th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska. Deacon Felix Maguire will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Brother Francis Shelter, 1021 East 3rd avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501; or Alaska Literacy Program, 1345 Rudakof Circle, Suite 104, Anchorage, AK 99508. James was born on Aug. 29, 1937, in Boston, Mass. He moved to Kodiak, Alaska, in 1946, when his father was stationed there as a Naval officer. James served in the Navy as well from 1955-1958. He graduated from George Washington University with a bachelors degree in International Economics and Politics. James also received his juris doctor degree from University of Puget Sound (now Seattle University). James was employed with the C.I.A. in Washington, D.C., the Fairbanks Daily News Miner, the Institute of Social, Economic & Government Research, the Anchorage Daily News (where he won a Pulitzer Prize in 1976), the AEIDC and the Tundra Times. James also worked as an attorney at his own law firm in Anchorage until his retirement in 2014. James also was a passionate AA sponsor. He loved being with his kids and grandkids, watching them play soccer and being in their lives (trials, performances, ceremonies, games, celebrations). He was an avid reader, political junkie and gourmet cook (and eater). He loved music, movies, dance and theater. He was a devoted husband of 54 years, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He was a very sensitive, perceptive and thoughtful man. He admired kindness, generosity and curiosity and paid no attention to a person's wealth, education or vices, instead focusing on the goodness they had to share. James is survived by wife of 54 years, Bonny Lynn Redhead; sons, Brendan and Dunnington; daughter, Caitlin Martindale; son-in-law, David Martindale; daughters-in-law, Megan Ledger and Samantha Cherot; grandchildren, Penelope, Charlie and Quincy Martindale; sister, Regan Morse; brother, Roger (Rocky) Babb; nephews, Zach (Melisa) Babb, Dudley Babb and Macker (Teresa) Babb; niece, Shannon (Ian) Boulton; grandnephew, Marshall Babb; and grandniece, Madeline Babb; along with numerous other family members across the country. Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jun. 9, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James Babb

How you can show support

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Sharon Zandman-Zeman

June 28, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Babb family. I remember Jim's wit and sense of humor and have fond memories of cooking lobster in your kitchen.

June 28, 2016

So long my good friend. Thanks for all of the laughs.
Catharine

Walter Wrightson

June 16, 2016

I just learned of this loss yesterday. My most sincere condolences to the Babb family, especially Bonny his loving wife, and the grandchildren as they learn to understand the loss of a big merry Grandpapa. Jim was there for me at a special time in my life, as a young father, when I needed someone to talk to. I have never forgotten it, and enjoyed calling him now and then to again thank him. Jim and Bonny have done a wonderful job in raising their children and they will be a living testament to what a good father can produce. God bless Jim and peace be with Bonny.
Walter Wrightson / Alaska

June 16, 2016

My condolence to the family for the loss of your love one. And may the True God who hears prayer heal your pain and console your hearts.-Psalm 54:2-4.

June 16, 2016

May your fond memories bring you comfort.

June 13, 2016

My sincere condolences. Find comfort in the God who is close to the brokenhearted.

Jennifer C

June 13, 2016

Glad I got to know him thru the rooms. Always cheerful. Steady. Great peaceful guy. Will be missed

June 12, 2016

Destroyer sailor; great writer ( "words -words" was a favorite piece of graphic art); loved his family, and a credit to the country and Alaska.
Terry T. Brady (AK)

Allen Bailey

June 12, 2016

Jim was a friend and colleague for many years, with a special connection from our history as newswriters before we became lawyers. I really enjoyed seeing his Pulitzer Prize medal, framed and hanging on the wall of his law office. He was a talented writer and lawyer, always compassionate for those who were less fortunate.

Joette & Gene Storm

June 11, 2016

We will remember Jim's smile and sense of humor and intelligence.

Bob Frenz

June 11, 2016

Jim was a good man and an honest lawyer. I enjoyed his wit and perspectives on life in general.

L Groh

June 11, 2016

Your light will always glow! Thank you for your service for your country and your fellow man!

Ian Bolton

June 10, 2016

I came to know Jim through my wife Shannon who is Jim's Niece. I became very fond of Jim, who I felt was a shining example of a good man. He was principled, forthright and had an incredible wit! I loved listening to his stories from his long and very rich life, and I will miss him a great deal. So long my friend! Ian.

Mike Lindeman

June 10, 2016

Hello. I met Jim back in the Fredenberg days! He was always good to and for me, and I loved him! I was sorry I did not stay in closer touch. I was pleased to see the "Hacks in the Stacks" article about his son!--Mike Lindeman

Jerry Wertzbaugher

June 10, 2016

One of the great journalists of the golden era of ADN! Also a hell of a nice guy. I will miss him.

Keenan Powell

June 10, 2016

Jim brought compassion and kindness to the legal profession and inspired the rest of us to be better lawyers and people. I owe him much. So sorry for your loss.

Sue Vandenberg

June 10, 2016

Jim was a delightfaul man and a great journalist. He will be missed by all,.
Much love and hugs to whole family.

June 10, 2016

As a law school classmate, we enjoyed his wit and envied his writing ability. On both scores we mere mortals could never equal, but could only admire.

Frank Mielke, Chugiak

Tom Roberts

June 9, 2016

A fine and decent man, and close friend.
Carry on, Paco...see you on the other side...

Susan Fisher

June 9, 2016

A good run, Jim. Beautiful family, great friends, stellar accomplishments. Another bright star above.

Janice Bendixen

June 9, 2016

I didn't know Jim well but what knew of him was entirely positive. He helped our family immensely at a very stressful time, many years ago. He was funny, compassionate and kind. He had a knack for making difficult conversations less trying and was able to bring humor to even the most stressful decisions. He was a good man who did good works in so many ways.

Howard Weaver

June 7, 2016

Though we have not been close for manners, my memories of Jim and my respect for his many talents remains fresh and strong. Requiem Æternam.

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results