James Bradley Tweto

Nov 26, 1954 -

Jun 16, 2023

James Bradley Tweto was born in Wichita, Kan., on Nov. 26, 1954, to William and LeNore Tweto. Jim died in a plane crash on June 16, 2023, in the Nulato Hills doing what he truly loved.

At an early age, Jim moved from Wichita to Silver Bay, Minn. He graduated from William Kelly High School in 1973. Jim was recruited and accepted a scholarship to play hockey at the University of Alaska Anchorage. There he played as a goalie for two years. Jim graduated with a welding degree in 1975.

He started his working career with the Army Corps of Engineers; this job took him throughout the state of Alaska, working on various welding projects. One of his assignments brought him to Shaktoolik, where he began building boats for the local fishermen. From there he moved to Unalakleet, continuing to build boats under the business Gussic Ventures.

Jim began his aviation career with Ryan Air where he met his future wife Ferno. They were married at the North River Bridge sandbar on June 25, 1988. Jim and Ferno worked together and raised their three daughters in Unalakleet. Jim continued his aviation career by merging Gussic Ventures with Mike Hageland to form Hageland Aviation. Eventually Hageland Aviation merged with Frontier Airlines out of Fairbanks and together they bought Era Aviation. This business became the largest 135 carrier in Alaska.

The individuality of Hageland Aviation's employees and, in particular, the Tweto family, led to the creation of Discovery Channel's "Flying Wild Alaska." The show aired for three seasons and allowed Jim to enjoy a certain notoriety in the aviation community worldwide.

Jim retired in 2015, which allowed him to spend more time at his beloved camp in Ungalik. He enjoyed trying his hand at gold mining with his nephew Scott, fishing, hiking, stargazing and moving endless piles of wood. Despite his retirement and due to his restless nature, Jim returned to flying commercially for his dear friend Jared Cummings' business Golden Eagle Outfitters. Besides caring and spending time with his family, Jim had a relentless devotion to serving the rural Alaska communities. Jim will be forever remembered for his outstanding work ethic, his generosity and kindness, and his promotion of aviation. Most importantly was his devotion and love for Ferno and his girls.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ferno; daughters, Ayla, Ariel and Elaine; brothers, Bruce and John Tweto; sisters, Susan Wegner and Lori Ann Regan; brothers-in-law, Wilfred, Adrian and Dennis Ryan; sisters-in-law, Sue Eckels, Linda Towarak, Glenda Sherman, Pauline Nicoll, Stephanie Ryan, Pam Tweto; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William and LeNore Tweto; brother, Ron Tweto; and uncles, Jerome, Leon and Richard Goebel.

The Tweto family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support following Jim's passing. Jim leaves behind many friends and family who loved him. His dazzling smile and generosity will be missed. Quyana.