Stephen L. James

Jul 22, 1947 -

Oct 3, 2022

Stephen "Steve" James passed away peacefully on Oct. 3, 2022, at the age of 75, surrounded by his wife, Sylvia; sister, Robin; and the Barrows family.

Steve was the eldest of three children, born on July 22, 1947, to William and Alma James, in Tulsa, Okla.

Steve joined the Navy a few months after turning 18 years old and served for six years. A year after discharge from the Navy, he joined the Air Force and served for the next four years, with two tours in Vietnam. Steve's next adventure brought him to Alaska in 1976, where he became a member of IUOE Local 302 as a diesel mechanic, working many years at different sites on the North Slope, Valdez, Fairbanks, and other cities in Alaska. He retired in 1999, at age 52.

Through mutual friends, Steve met his wife, Sylvia Nightingale, in 1982. They were married on July 29, 1983, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Steve was a member of the American Legion Post 28. He belonged to the Midnight Sun Street Rod Association, showing off his 1958 Ford Edsel. He enjoyed the summer cruises, weekly dinners and all the car shows. Steve was almost always seen with a cup of coffee in his hand. Steve's strong asset was his willingness to help with any car/truck project(s), available anytime, even if it was to just give moral support. Steve was a loving husband, son, brother, proud uncle and a friend to many. He will be greatly missed by all.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother and stepdad, Alma and Tom Shields; and father, William James.

Steve is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sylvia James; sisters, Robin (John) Bumgardner of Palmer, and Linda Louvier of Ocean Springs, Miss.; in-laws, Kim (Cecil) Barrows, Gordon Nightingale of Anchorage and Jeff, Greg (Jill) Nightingale of Washington; aunt, Cathey Tucker and uncle Bill (Dee) Hearn of Texas; along with several nieces and nephews throughout several states.

Steve will have a full military service and burial at Fort Richardson Cemetery on Nov. 16, 2022, at 1 p.m. If you plan to attend the service, please be at the Arctic Valley gate by 12:30 p.m., to have check-in completed before procession to the cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion Post 28 on Brayton Drive from 3-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, family suggest a memorial donation made in Steve's name to a charity of their choice.