James Ronald Clow

1942 - 2025

The world became a little less bright on May 20, 2025, in Palmer, Alaska, with the passing of James Ronald Clow. At the age of 82, he left this world to be reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Mae.

James, also known by many nicknames (Stretch, Aapa, Papa, Ron, Ronnie and Uncle Dufus) was born on Dec. 9, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, to George and Rose Clow.

After high school, James chose to enlist in the Army which eventually led him to Fairbanks, Alaska. It was in the summer of 1963 that fate brought him to Mae, the love of his life. Their love story was sealed when they exchanged vows on Oct. 19, 1963, at the First Presbyterian Church. Together, they built a family and raised their five children - Barbara, Scott, Tracey, Tina and James - creating countless cherished memories along the way.

James was a man of many hats, not just reflected in his nicknames but in the profound ways he touched the lives of those around him. As a father, a friend, or simply the life of the room, he radiated warmth, humor, and unwavering support. His knack for telling jokes was legendary - always armed with a pun or a clever tale that could spark laughter in any setting. His sense of humor was infectious, leaving cherished memories of joy and lightheartedness that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

James dedicated many years to Wein Airlines before transitioning to various construction projects across Alaska. He also contributed to building homes in the small village of Nuiqsut. Over the course of his career, James took on numerous roles with his final position being at ASRC where he worked to support his family until his retirement in 2007.

Loved ones who cleared the path for Stretch are his parents, George and Rose Clow; brothers, Jack (Betty) Clow, Dave (DeeDee) Clow, Dale Clow and Gary Clow; sisters, Shirley (Lenard) Lewis, Susan (Kermit) Lewis; brothers-in-law, George (Mary) Ahkiviana, Archie (Carolyn) Ahkiviana and James (Garnett) Ahkiviana; sister-in-law, Molly Rosa; and granddaughter, Holly M. Robinson.
Loved ones who will miss Stretch until they meet again are his brothers, Bobby (Dottie) Clow and Tommy (Cheri) Clow; sisters, Sandy (Paul) Hixson and Sharon (Tim) Pink; sons, Scott (Ruth) Clow and James (Josselyn) Clow; daughters, Barbara (Ricky) McMillan, Tracey (Raymond) Wells and Tina (Jon) Fulford; sisters-i
n-law, Deedee Clow, Mary Ahkiviana, Carolyn Ahkiviana, Garnett Ahkiviana; grandchildren, Rachelle (Michael) Whittington, Ashley Wells, Kevin (Christy) Wells, Heather (Zo Ailey) Dias, David Fulford, Jon Kyle (Kristi) Logsdon, Kalik (Kaylee Mcneely) Clow, Kalia Clow, Kyle Ahkiviana and Deshawn Clow; and 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, River Mae. There are so many more nieces and nephews to mention, as well as the many friends and relatives who were blessed to have known him.
A celebration of life will be held in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the date and time to be announced in 2026. Following the ceremony, the burial will take place at Birch Hill Cemetery.