James F. Debenham

1948 - 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of James F. Debenham, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 1, 2025, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jim was one of the nicest guys around and was always willing to help anyone in need. He had an innate understanding of physics and mechanics and was always curious about how things worked.

Jim was born in Rochester, New York, on March 21, 1948, and was the youngest sibling of an older sister and brother. Jim grew up in Rochester and graduated from Bradley University with a degree in mechanics. He joined the U.S. Peace Corps in Malysia, where he taught tractor mechanics for several years.

Back in the states Jim bought an old Ford panel truck and drove it up the Alcan Highway, with the goal of driving to Nome. Part way through the trip he realized he couldn't actually drive to Nome and decided to go to Fairbanks instead, where he met a young lady, Holly Kennedy from California. He noticed her tent leaked during the rainy days and offered her dry shelter in his Ford truck. They married in the spring of 1976, and raised three children. Jim taught mechanics at Hutchison High School but eventually took a job as the lead mechanic for the U.S. Post Office, where he worked for 30 years before retiring at age 70. During their 49 years of marriage Jim and Holly had many adventures, traveling and camping throughout Alaska and the states, and for Jim's retirement he finally made it to Nome.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Margaret Debenham, sister, Sue; and brother, Phil. Jim is survived by his wife, Holly; his children Melody, Casey and wife Rosalie, and Nona; sister-in-law, Kathie Debenham; and his nephew, Andrew, and niece, Jane, from Maryland. Jim did not want to have a service. Condolences can be made online to Blanchard Family Funeral home.

Jim was passionate about donating blood and has been donating blood since he was 20 years old. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving blood or donating to your local blood bank.