James Galbraith

1927 - 2016

James J. Galbraith Sr., 89, passed away on Dec. 6, 2016, at Providence Horizon House in Anchorage, Alaska. James was born on Nov. 23, 1927, in Livermore, Calif., to Olivia and James Galbraith. He spent his early years growing up in the San Luis Obispo, Calif., area, moving to Oregon with his mother when he was about eight. In 1945, Jim enlisted in the Army Forces, serving 18 months in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He married Marilyn Mensing on March 23, 1957, in Seattle, Wash. They had two children James Jr. and Diana and Marilyn's daughter, Debra True.
Friends of Jim were driving to Alaska in the spring of 1953 and invited him to ride along. He started working out of Laborers Local 341 (where he remained a member for over 50 years). He was recording secretary for Local 341 for many years and helped start the Laborer's Retire Association. Jim first worked in Whittier, Alaska, than on many building in Anchorage. Jim was an instructor at the Laborer's Training School for several years.
Jim and Marilyn lived in Seattle for over two years, but missed Alaska and returned to Anchorage in 1960, where they have lived since. Jim enjoyed photography: he always had a camera with him. The Russian River was Jim's favorite fishing place. He enjoyed weekend camping trips with the family. Jim was a good father, helping the children with school projects. Jim enjoyed building projects which included a canoe, desks and his garage work bench. Jim was a computer expert, taught himself to type and mastered the computer after his retirement from Local 341 in 1987. Jim enjoyed many trips to Oregon, Mexico and the coast of California.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; son, James "Jim"; stepdaughter, Debra True Bost and her husband Melton; son-in-law, Bob Eneix; sister-in-law, Carolyn (Mensing) Kennedy and her husband Jim; and grandchildren, Matthew Bost and Danielle Eneix. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olivia Blum and James Galbraith; daughter, Diana Eneix; and Marilyn's parents, Herb and Evelyn Mensing.
A service was held on Dec. 15, 2016, at Anchorage Lutheran Church. His ashes will be scattered along the coast of California.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.