Martin E. James

1963 - 2015

Martin Edward James passed away peacefully, at the age of 51, with his loving family at his side. Martin fought bravely against cancer and its devastating side effects. He chose his departure from this earth to be at the home he loved so much on Long Lake in Willow, Alaska. During his final weeks he was able to be visited by many of his friends and family and to be cared for by his daughter, Scharri A. Richmond; mom, Lova J. O'Shea; and close family members. Martin came to Alaska with his mom and dad when a toddler. He was born in Las Vegas, Nev. All of his school years were spent in Anchorage, Alaska. In his teen years and early 20s, he worked in the restaurant business in such places as Nikko Gardens and Garcia's, where he mastered skills to become an excellent cook for family and friends. Following those years he became a travel agent and also worked at the Convention and Visitors Bureau in Anchorage, where he promoted Alaska and its many resources. In these endeavors he traveled extensively in the Lower 48 and to many world-wide destinations. Eleven years ago Martin found his goal in life when he founded Alaska Professional Entertainment "APE" LLC. As the owner and operator and number one DJ, he made unbelievable memories for many Alaskans. He was the "Party Marty" of the DJ business by throwing himself wholeheartedly into every event he hosted including weddings, reunions, anniversaries, celebrations of life, school proms and dances and Bar Mitzvahs. Before an event concluded he had made many new friends. He was truly the "memory maker" of the entertainment industry. Even after his initial brain surgery in early 2014, he continued to live a full life and made many more memories with events he hosted. Martin loved Alaska and was an avid hunter - to his mom's dismay - and sports fisherman. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and many friends. Activities he enjoyed and shared with others included camping, flying his ultra-lite, dancing, cooking, golf and "mudding." In addition to fishing and hunting, some of his happiest moments were those shared with his daughter, Scharri; her husband, Josh; and his grandchildren, Triston and Beaux. Watching the Iditarod from his Long Lake cabin with friends and family was a yearly event he thoroughly enjoyed. His dogs, Kodiak and Adak, were his wonderful companions in many adventures. Martin felt life was a wonderful journey and no one enjoyed life or lived it more fully than he did. He was dearly loved and will be missed by his loved ones who can take comfort in knowing he is at peace and had no regrets from his journey in life. Martin is preceded in death by his grandmother, Marcella Tygart; grandfather, George Tygart; grandmother, Ida Knabe; brother, Edward James; and sister, Brenda James. He is survived by his wife, Katherine James; and stepchildren, Katie and Sara and Jeremy Jollife; his mother, Lova J. O'Shea; his stepfather, Roland W. O'Shea; father, Edward James; stepmom, Patsy James; sister, Dorcas Dolbere; sister, Sharolyn "Muffy" Wyeth; brother, Larry James; stepbrothers, Mike and Steve O'Shea with wife Elisa; uncle, Michael James; aunt, Sunny Snyder; daughter, Scharri Richmond with her husband Joshua Richmond; and grandsons, Tristion and Beaux Richmond. There will be a private burial in Wasilla, Alaska, next to his beloved Grandmother Marcella Tygart. A celebration of his life will be held on Oct. 2, 2015, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, 8800 Heritage Center Dr. in Anchorage. He would want you to bring your Happy Faces and fond remembrances with you to the event. Donations can be made to Mat-Su Hospice at 950 E Bogard #132, Wasilla, AK 99654.