- Date Of Birth: November 22, 1926
- Date Of Death: January 13, 2021
- Spouse: Gail A. Knutson
- Resting Place: Anchorage
- City: Bellingham
- State: Washington
James “Jim” W. Knutson, age 94, passed away at home on Jan. 13, 2021, with his loving wife by his side. He was born in Bellingham, Wash., to the late Peter Knutson and Thelda (Tilly) Jacobson. After graduation from Bellingham High School in 1943, Jim served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He later graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. degree in business administration and a major in accounting. Jim started his career with Shell Oil in Washington and California, and then joined JCPenny’s as credit manager in California. He later became corporate credit manager with Liberty House in California.
In 1973, he relocated to Alaska and joined Wien Air Alaska as credit manager. Jim later became manager of the Wien Prudhoe Bay/Deadhorse Airstation. He finished his career with Denali Alaskan Credit Union before retiring. During his work he traveled Alaska, developing friendships across the state in numerous Alaska villages and cities. He loved visiting friends from Dillingham to Kotzebue and fishing with them along the way. Jim is survived by his wife, Gail A. Knutson of Anchorage; daughter, Joelynn Schroeder of Arizona; stepdaughter, Cheryl Graves (husband Wayne Goetz) of Anchorage; grandchildren, Willow Schroeder, and Alexander and Nicholas Goetz; many nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews; and cherished friends. Throughout his life, Jim was a loving father and friend.
He thanks his many caretakers from VA Home Health, Providence, Hospice of Anchorage, and Midnight Sun, who assisted him in the final years of his life. He leaves us with these words: “To my beautiful family and loving friends from Alaska, to Arizona, Mexico, Washington, New York, and beyond; this last year has been difficult, I can attest. The new year has come. I have left, but you remain. Treat each other well. Set anything aside and love each other. I hope you get the 94 years I had and make the best of them.”
