James "Jim" Deagen

Jan 14, 1938 -

Mar 31, 2026

On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, James R. Deagen, age 88, devoted husband, loving father, beloved brother, uncle, cousin and friend of many, peacefully passed away at Baxter Senior Living in Anchorage, Alaska, with his family by his side.

Jim was born in 1938 in St. Paul, Minn., the first born to Dr. James and Mary (Green) Deagen. The Deagen family moved to Walla Walla, Wash., for service during WW II, then after the war, to Woodburn, Ore., where Jim's father moved his medical practice. Jim attended St. Lukes' Grade School and Mount Angel High School. He then attended St. Martin's College in Lacy, Wash., and moved to San Francisco University for his upper division classes and degree in psychology in 1960.

Jim met Gereldene Fleck when they worked together in the Strawberry Fields around Woodburn and they were married in 1960, which began a lifelong partnership. They had their first child, Chris, in Salem. During his time in college, Jim heard tales of adventures from classmates about life in Alaska, and he wanted to move there. In 1961, Jim, Gerry, and Chris moved to Anchorage, where they had daughters Theresa and Jacquelyn. They rode out the '64 earthquake in Anchorage. Jim took an immediate liking to Alaska and decided to spend the rest of his life here. Jim developed a love of hunting and fishing with his father in Oregon, and spent a lot of time hunting, fishing and exploring the back country of the state with his wife and new friends in Alaska.

In 1966, they moved to Juneau, Alaska, where Jim worked for then Commissioner, Frank Murkowski. He earned a master's degree from the University of Alaska in public administration. There they had their fourth child, daughter Rebecca. Jim worked for the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development Mining Division until his retirement in 1989. Jim especially loved taking the family out in his boat in Juneau for fishing and exploring the beaches of the Juneau area.

After his retirement, Jim and Gerry moved from Juneau to Anchorage to be closer to their children. He also began to pursue his love of traveling and eventually traveled to every continent and had many adventures, from Europe to Africa and Asia and South America and even to Antarctica. Jim and Gerry especially loved staying in London, spending a lot of time there exploring England and attending the theater. On the trip to Antarctica their cruise ship took part in a rescue of another cruise ship in distress. Jim donated clothing to a young man who was rescued. They also purchased a condo in Hawaii and became snowbirds, traveling down in the middle of Alaska's tough winters to enjoy the sun and fun in Hawaii.

While in Anchorage Jim worked at Senator Frank Murkowski's office in Anchorage, where he enjoyed meeting and assisting the people of Alaska and traveling around the state for the senator. Through his employment, he traveled frequently through the rural towns and villages of Alaska from the North Slope, throughout Western Alaska and the Aleutians, and throughout Southeast Alaska. It was Jim's idea to bring his siblings and cousins together to many beautiful locations making many wonderful memories. These included Christmases in Sun River, Ore., and Hawaii. He would often plan fall trips to the Oregon Coast to share with them. In the last six years he has participated with his family in weekly meetings on Zoom.

Jim and Gerry had a strong Catholic faith which brought them strength and comfort throughout their years in both good times and bad.

Jim and Gerry moved to Baxter Senior living in Anchorage, where he stayed until he was called home. The staff at Baxter Senior Living were very caring and amazing to Jim and were much appreciated.

Jim was predeceased by his son, Chris; and his parents. He is survived by his wife, Gerry; daughter, Theresa Whelan and husband Bruce; daughter, Jackie; and daughter, Rebecca, all of Anchorage. He is also survived by brothers, John and Patrick; sisters, Joan and Debbie; plus many nieces and nephews and many friends.

Jim will be laid to rest next to his son Christopher at Memorial Park Cemetery in Anchorage. A service for Jim will be at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Anchorage on April 17, 2026, at 3 p.m.