John Michael James

Dr. John Michael James(Mike), a fourth generation Alaskan, physician, dairy farmer, miner, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and trusted friend passed surrounded by family the morning of December 27. He is remembered as a man who truly lived. His life experiences took him on adventures across Alaska, the United States, and the world. Mike and his wife, Linda, loved to travel and experience the outdoors - floating rivers and even hiking the Chilkoot Pass; Mike hunted and fished, and he and Linda bicycled through Alaska and many countries in Europe. He had a passion for learning, and impressed the value of education upon his children and grandchildren. He walked his talk, and often shared the importance of living with a moral compass which he modeled through his honesty, dedication to any pursuit, responsibility, and genuine interest in others and improvement for all.
Mike was the first son born to Floyd (Mike) and Patricia (Patsy) James in Anchorage. He and his brother, Patrick, were raised in Fairbanks, where the family owned and operated Pat & Mike's Restaurants. The brothers had to peel 100 pounds of potatoes on Saturday mornings before they could meet up with friends, but once their chores were finished their adventures were the stuff of storybooks: rounding up stray dogs to build their own sled dog team or building a raft and floating the Chena River. The brothers built strong work ethics and lifelong friendships with Richard Gularte and Robbie Weidemeier through their childhood escapades in Fairbanks, and later Anchorage. The family returned to Anchorage in 1955, where Mike's parents, founded and grew the Gold Pan Gift Shop & Kobuk Coffee Company. Mike attended West Anchorage High School, where he met many lifelong friends, graduating in 1960.
Mike graduated from Seattle University and earned his medical degree at the University of Washington. He was proud of paying for school himself. He worked in trucking on the Aleutian Chain to pay for his post-secondary tuition and living costs. At the end of each school year, he would sell his microscope to purchase his return to Anchorage. His perseverance in meaningful pursuits was legend to his family.
He met Linda Rae Allyn during a summer home from medical school and fell in love. They married March 21, 1966 in Seattle; this coming March will be their 60th wedding anniversary.. In 1970, Mike and Linda returned to Anchorage, where they started his medical practice and their family. They had four children: Shelley, Molly, Michael, and Joshua. Mike grew his practice over the next 40 years specializing in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. He had a successful career as a physician. He founded Rehabilitation Medicine Associates (RMA) with esteemed partner and longtime friend, Dr. Morris Horning; served as Chief of Staff of Providence Hospital; founded Alaska Spine Institute (ASI) and retired in 2012.
Throughout his career, Mike was known for his interests outside of medicine. He built and operated James Farms, the second largest dairy farm in the State of Alaska. Mike was a partner in Kobuk Construction, building homes throughout the Anchorage area. He also owned and operated NYAC Mining Company. He was very proud to be recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior for his commitment to land reclamation, earning the U.S. Department of the Interior National Award for Small Mining Companies in 2014. Mike was also active in public service to improve inclusion in Anchorage. Early in his career, he started Alpine Alternatives, and helped grow Special Olympics and the Muscular Dystrophy Association in Anchorage - to provide enhanced access to recreation and athletics for all disabled Alaskans.
Though his interests in industries and public service were vast and varied, Mike's true passions were in developing people, promoting rural workforce development, and continuing education. Through all of his professional experiences Mike made many friends and enjoyed success with his partners, employees, and colleagues. He was known as an employer who was invested in his employees, as well as their families. Mike was a man of action and integrity; a true Alaskan who believed your word and a handshake meant something.
Mike's best partnership was with his wife, Linda. His love for Linda was evident in more than grand gestures, such as when he shared memories of their travels together, in their games of Rummikub, or simply in the Hallmark cards he would hand-select and then hide for her to find. They built a strong foundation based on love and mutual respect. Mike's legacy is his family, and the lessons they learned from him will continue forward.
Mike is survived by his wife Linda, his children and their spouses Shelley, Molly (Edward), Michael (Deanna) and Joshua, and his grandchildren Alexandra, Megan, Nicholas, Devon, Jack, Noah, Sydney, and his great grandchildren Madelyn and Emily. Mike is also survived by his brother and best friend Patrick and his children Patrick, Katie, and Nathan. Mike has been preceded in death by his parents and several of his closest friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Liberty Dialysis, Providence Hospital, Alaska Regional Hospital, and Saint Elias Specialty Hospital for their compassion and the dignity and care they provide to patients and their families. A special thank you to his physicians who provided exemplary care and maintained his quality of life over the last few years.
There will be a celebration of Mike's life at Holy Family Cathedral on Saturday January 17th with mass at 12:00pm and a reception immediately following in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Make a Wish Foundation of Alaska.