James Chase
Feb 7, 1933 -
May 29, 2026
James "Jim" Henry Chase passed away peacefully amongst family members on May 29, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. He was 93 years old.
Jim was born on Feb. 7, 1933, in Baltimore, Md., to James (Carr) Chase and Edith Loray Williams. He grew up in Baltimore and was raised by his great-uncle and great-aunt, Wittfield S. and Annie K. Bolden.
After high school, Jim attended Morgan State College. Not only was he president of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, but he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, graduated with honors, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Jim's military career began as a pilot, flying KC-97 refueler planes. Jim's first tour of duty in Alaska was on the Bering Sea Coast in 1968. After 20 years of service, Jim retired from active duty in 1974 as a major and made Anchorage his permanent home.
As a civilian, Jim became Director of the Anchorage Equal Rights Commission; he was an administrator at the University of Alaska, Anchorage; he served as Deputy Commissioner for the State Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; and he held a number of other positions that led to positive changes in the lives of others.
In his early years in Alaska, Jim was known as an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, camping and boating. Jim and his wife, Yvonne, were dedicated members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for more than 40 years. Jim held several leadership offices in the Whittier Flotilla, from Whittier Flotilla Commander to Commodore.
Jim was a member of the Anchorage Concert Chorus for almost 45 years. He was a bass, and he loved his classical music. Jim was also an avid dog lover, and he and Yvonne, his wife of 42 years, had many furry additions to their family.
Jim is survived by his wife, Yvonne; sister, Charlotte Lann; son Tony (Rasheedah); daughters, Donna and Joyce; daughter-in-law, Cecilia; grandsons, Jackson (Jessica) and Kalantae; nephews, Adam (Angelina), Stephen (Mollie), Ian (Jessica) and Mason (Tiffany); two great-granddaughters, (Lily, Ellie); and special dog, Rocky. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Williams.
