James Prichard

Aug 19, 1942 -

Oct 10, 2023

James Charles "Jim" Prichard of Wasilla, Alaska, died on Oct. 10, 2023, at the Mat-Su Regional Hospital in Palmer, Alaska, from a heart attack in his sleep. He was born on Aug. 19, 1942, in Bremerton, Wash., the son of Harry Austin Jr. and Amelia Ann (Slivka) Prichard.

He grew up in West Lake, Wash., a town created by his parents where his mother was mayor. They lived in Moses Lake, Wash., and he graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1960. His family was very active in the Moose Lodge. His father was a Pilgrim, his mother was a regent and he was one of the youngest governors.

He began work at Boeing in Seattle, Wash., where he was the youngest supervisor at the tender age of 21. He became a general contractor and formed his own companies, two of which were Tri-Alaska and Olympic Specialty Construction, building motels and commercial buildings in Seattle and Olympia, Wash.; Prudhoe Bay, Nome, and Anchorage, including notable buildings such as the Sheffield House, the control tower at Anchorage International Airport, Lakeshore Towers and the Anchorage Racquet Club, to name but a few. He was the first contractor to use brick on buildings in Alaska in the winter, his first project being the Lakeshore Towers.

He finally met the love of his life, Janice Cerise (Lord) Saumier. After a very short whirlwind romance, they were married on Aug. 14, 1993, in Reno, Nev. They lived for 25 years in Fernley, Nev., before moving to Wasilla.

He leaves behind his wife, Janice of Wasilla; daughter, Michelle Sass and husband Gil of Daytona Beach, Fla.; stepson, Dean Saumier and wife Deseray of Covington, La.; granddaughters, Crystal Andrews of New Mexico, Jessica Gran and husband Justin of Queen Creek, Ariz.; grandson, Jacob Palmer of Idaho; stepgrandson, Austyn Saumier and companion Samantha Lewis of Slidell, La.; stepgranddaughter, Adison Saumier of Covington, La.; great-granddaughter, Emma Michelle Gran; great-grandson, Duke Conrad Gran; stepgreat-grandson, Oakley James Saumier; two brothers, Ray and wife Marge of Bellingham, Wash., and Harry "Bing" III and wife Sherry Dale of Anchorage; numerous other brothers- and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will spread over the Alaska landscape. There will be a small gathering for a celebration of life on Nov. 19, 2023.