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Aaron James Obituary
Aaron was born July 7, 1967, in Fairbanks, the second youngest child of the six children of Bill and Lois James.
He was raised in Fairbanks and had a love for the outdoors and learning. He spent most every moment enjoying the beauty of the outdoors whether in Arizona where he spent time working for the Arizona Board of Game and Fish; living in Portage so he could be close to skiing at Alyeska; or simply being in Fairbanks where everything he loved was close.
He never stopped learning; he completed his master's degree in American Indian studies at the University of Arizona.
We all knew he was going to be a leader with our young people. He always had a gift with young people and he also had the natural gift of teaching.
Aaron's love of his family, especially his nephews and nieces, will comfort us in the upcoming days; he will be remembered as the fun uncle who took his nieces on daring ski trails and always had time for a board game or a movie. He lived his life to the fullest for his short 50 years on Earth. Aaron leaves us with a never-ending smile and love for so many; you can't think of him without it bringing a smile to your face. He leaves the legacy of a gentle, loving man that we will never forget.
Please join us for a gathering to celebrate this amazing gift of an uncle, brother, cousin, son, stepson and friend at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at the Ken Kunkel Community Center for a potluck in which we will have a time of sharing and a time to celebrate his life.
We will keep everything simple, as Aaron would have wanted, and remember him by wearing our flannel shirts and comfy clothes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aaron James
Roy Earnest
April 18, 2018
Aaron, I just found out about your passing! I am so glad I talked to you last year. You are a wonderful, happy, giving being. I know you are having one hell of a time right now! Till we meet again.
Amanda Race
December 13, 2017
Thoughts & prayers to Aaron's family & friends. He was so much fun to be around. Hugs to Eli. We will miss his smiling face at Gallos in the Spring. - Amanda & Daniel
Christine Birong-Smith
December 11, 2017
I always loved sharing stories of outdoor adventures over a beer with Aaron when we were in graduate school together. One story he told over and over did not have to do with hiking, skiing, backpacking, or skiing (I repeat skiing because so many stories involved skiing), but picking berries out at his mom's while listening to his walkman. He talked about how he would loose track of time because the sun was almost always up and he would loose himself in the music from his walkman as he picked and picked and picked. I don't know if he actually liked picking the berries or not, he never really said one way or the other, but there was something about that act that stuck with him and made him repeatedly revisit this memory. I am forever blessed that I got to hear so many of his stories.
We became fast friends, which is not surprising, given his big heart, light, and friendly way. Although we haven't talked in quite some time, I have always continued to consider him a close friend and when he comes up in conversations, it is perfect and natural for me to introduce him as, "Aaron, one of my best friends from grad school,..."
Much love and healing to all who love and miss Aaron.
Lori Moyer
December 5, 2017
Aaron's smile could fill a room. He will be missed. I will remember him whenever I see a circle of friends around a campfire and whenever a bird startles from a tree.
Who knew he was so stylish on the trail?
Lori Moyer
December 5, 2017
Ski selfie
Lori Moyer
December 5, 2017
His grin was as big as the fish
Lori Moyer
December 5, 2017
Aaron on the Salt River in AZ
Mary Cole
December 1, 2017
Pat Ivey
December 1, 2017
So sorry for the loss of this sweet souled man, son of my neighbor. Heart and prayers for his family.
November 30, 2017
During this time of great sorrow and pain, know that you are not alone. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, may our Father, the God of peace, give you comfort and peace in every way today, tomorrow, and always. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
November 30, 2017
I am so sorry about Aaron's passing. May you find comfort and strength in the weeks and months to follow, from the promise of seeing our loved ones again (1Thessalonians 4:13,14). My heartfelt sympathies for the James family.
November 30, 2017
Sorry for the lost of your beloved family member Aaron James. May the family draws Comfort and Peace from the God that gives Peace to endure in these difficult times. PP
November 30, 2017
Our condolences to the family and friends of Aaron who was a wonderful person. I am a cousin of Jean James who has kept us informed. We are thankful that she and many others were able to give him the good help and support he needed at this difficult time.
Dolores and Torvall Nelson
Annandale, VA
Mary Cole
November 30, 2017
I had the privilege of working with Aaron during one of his Arizona Bald Eagle observation seasons. We spent many hours on a remote OP (observation point) with a lot of time waiting and watching. During the lulls, Aaron talked so much about his family and all his buddies that I felt like I knew each of you. He always read Eli's funny text messages aloud. That was great, because we often needed a laugh up there. He was so proud of all of you and loved you so much.
November 30, 2017
My sympathy to family and friends of Aaron. May pleasant memories of Aaron remain in your hearts and carry you through difficult times.
2013 Polychrome Pass, Denali NP
SJ Eno
November 29, 2017
Celebrating and missing this amazing man with all of you! He is a VERY dear soul.
SJ Eno
November 29, 2017
Beverly Bernatowicz
November 29, 2017
So sorry to hear the news. Though I didn't know Aaron personally, he sounded like a very kind and gentle soul and will be greatly missed. He fought the good fight and now is at peace. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this very sad time.
Art and Brenda Hall
November 29, 2017
We are so sorry and we are sending heartfelt sympathy and prayers for the family and friends of this kind and gentle man. A light has gone out of our world but added one to heaven. Brenda and Art Hall.
Connie Sommer- Mayo
November 29, 2017
My condolences to All of Aaron's family members, I remember Aaron as a quite, polite youngster when his father, Dr James, mother, Lois and sibling lived in Tanana, Ak. Fondest memories of Dr James patiently teaching his children, myself, my siblings and many other children of Tanana to water ski @ the mouth of the mighty Yukon and Tanana rivers! RIP young man.
Debbie Friesen and Greg Morton
November 29, 2017
We loved Aaron and will miss him! He was a sweet and cheerful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aaron's family.
With deepest sympathy,
November 29, 2017
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for the James family. May Almighty God grant solace during this most challenging time. Aaron was truly an amazing person. He will be truly missed. With Love
November 29, 2017
My deepest sympathy for the family. May your fond memories bring you comfort and strength.
Ms. Mac
November 29, 2017
What a wonderful young man who touched all our hearts. He and my son Mike were inseparable growing up. Aaron was one of those kids who never said an unkind word and always had a beaming smile. So smart, so personable, so Aaron. I was fortunate to have had him in class. Heartfelt prayers sent to his family. Ms. Mac
MJ
November 29, 2017
Sincere condolences to the family.
May God
"comfort your heart and make you firm"
during this time of great loss.
2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
With deep sympathy
Dan Spillane
November 29, 2017
I went to Jr High and High School with Aaron. Over the past 30 plus years I had the luck of running into him in Arizona, Colorado, Washington and Alaska. Each time he was warm and humorous. Aaron had a way of making people feel at ease. My condolences go out to his family and friends. He will be truly missed.
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