James Morton Jr.

Wasilla resident James Paul Morton Jr., 54, died April 11, 2010, at his home in Wasilla.

A celebration of life will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 23, at Valley Funeral Home, 151 E. Herning Ave. in Wasilla.

James was born April 27, 1955, to Anna Mae (Davis) and James Paul Morton Sr. in Oklahoma City, Okla. In 1959, James moved to Alaska, first living in Kenai. He moved to several different places, including Anchorage in 1972, to Hawaii in 1987 and then to Arizona before moving back to Alaska, making Wasilla his home.

He was raised Baptist around Rocksprings Baptist Church with family and grandparents, Wesley and Joann Davis. He belonged to the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and he also belonged to the Newcomer Band and is of the Bear Clan.

He enjoyed fishing as well as photography.

"James was known to friends and family as 'Junior.' He enjoyed spending time camping and fishing in Alaska, especially on the Russian River. He attended Dimond High School in Anchorage. He worked as a plumber in Anchorage and Hawaii before moving to Arizona. Junior enjoyed photography and became certified in Oklahoma City before returning to Alaska, where he met his current wife, Angela. Junior is remembered as making others smile and for his friendship to others. He enjoyed having barbecues and said his favorite view was of the Hawaiian sunset at a beach," his family stated.

James is survived by his wife, Angela Morton of Wasilla; mother, Anna Mae Morton of Wasilla; sister, Maria Knutson of Palmer; sisters, Gloria Hicks, JoAnn Autry, Betty Daniels and Nadine Bishop, all of Oklahoma; stepdaughter, Kirstalee Young of Anchorage; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles of Alaska, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his father, James P. Morton Sr.; sister, Elley Morton Hayes; brother, Wesley W. Morton, better known as "Beanie"; and sister, Patricia Sue "Sue Bee" Lace.

Arrangements were with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.