James Grimes:  

Graduated in 66. Two weeks later I was in an accident while employed by Pacific Wood Treating plant. First night of work I was impelled by a 20ft 4X4. Turned 18 in the hospital. Things got better. Spent a year and a half in Clark College. Then got a draft notice. Decided to join the Air Force. Spent the next 6 years on active duty and ended up in Anchorage, Alaska. In 1974 I enlisted in the Alaska Air National Guard. One weekend a month and 30 days a year. I became a Federal Employee. Did tours all over the world. In 2003 I spent time in Afghanistan. My military rank was an E-9. I was the oldest soldier in the theater. Finally retired from my government job and my military in 2005. My marriage to Kathy Seaman produced our only daughter. We separated in 1974 and both remarried. My now wife and I had 2 children, a boy and a girl. After living in Anchorage for 31 years we built a retirement home in Wasilla, AK. Hep home of Sarah Pallas. My dream in life was to have a cabin on a creek/river. This I did, almost 40 years ago. Have hunted and fished this river every year. My best day of fishing was with 2 of my sons best friends and a dad. We started fishing at 6:00 am. At 8:15 am we had caught and released over 100 silver salmon. Can’t count all the people I have taken to my cabin. Estimated over 120. Access is by snowmobile during the winter. Jet boat during the summer months. Have 2 cabins that can sleep 16. My wife, Belinda and I spend on a average of 3 weeks a year in Kauai, helps break up the long nights. Speaking of which there is nothing like the Northern Lights...Expand for more