Jimmy Scarborough Sr.

Former Alaska resident Jimmy Ruel Scarborough Sr., 58, died Oct. 10, 2007, at home in Franklin, Ga.
A funeral was Oct. 16 at McKibbins Funeral Home in Hogansville, Ga. The eulogy was given by Mr. Scarborough's nephew, Jerry Scarborough Jr.
Mr. Scarborough was born Aug. 26, 1949, in La Grange, Ga., and raised in Georgia with his three siblings. He was the oldest child born to Mary and Perry Scarborough. He graduated from Troup County High School in 1967. He entered the Air Force in 1969 and served in the Vietnam conflict. He was a medic and routinely flew rescue missions. He retired honorably from the Air Force as a senior master sergeant in 1995. He received his associate's degree in biology while enlisted in the Air Force. He received various awards and medals for his brave service.
In 1969 he married his only love -- they had met on a blind date two years previously -- and they remained happily married until her untimely death in 2004. They had three children together.
Mr. Scarborough first came to Alaska in 1975; he was stationed at Eielsen Air Force Base in Fairbanks. He returned to the state when he was stationed at Elmendorf in 1987. He had dreamed of coming to Alaska as a young boy after reading several Jack London novels.
Mr. Scarborough was an outdoors enthusiast who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had an interest in taxidermy and for many years ran his own business, which he operated out of his garage.
He had a knack for telling amusing and humorous stories. He was a devoted family man and Christian. He was well respected and never met a stranger. He gave what he could to help those less fortunate than himself.
He left Alaska in 2005.
He is survived by his daughters and son, Amanda Scarborough of Franklin, Ga., Jennifer Scarborough of Anchorage and Jimmy Scarborough Jr. of Anchorage; granddaughters, Adrienne and Arielle Scarborough, both of Franklin, and Abigail Kerr of Anchorage; grandsons, Samuel and Benjamin Kerr, both of Anchorage; son-in-law, Dan Kerr of Anchorage and daughter-in-law, Nicole Gauthier of Anchorage; and sisters, Terri Benefield and Brenda Scarborough, both of Georgia.
Mr. Scarborough was preceded in death by his wife, LeGail Scarborough; an infant sister; brother, Jerry Scarborough Sr.; and parents, Perry and Mary Scarborough.
Donations may be sent to The American Heart Association.