James Debenham

James F. Debenham

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of James F. Debenham, who died unexpectedly on August 1st, 2025, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Jim was one of the nicest guys around and was always willing to help anyone in need. He had an innate understanding of physics and mechanics and was always curious about how things worked.

Jim was born in Rochester, NY, on the equinox March 21, 1948, and was the youngest sibling of an older sister and brother. His parents Jack and Margaret Debenham lived in Rochester NY where Jim’s Dad worked for Kodak. Jim got his mechanics degree and soon after joined the US Peace Corps in Malysia, where he taught tractor mechanics for several years. Back in the states, Jim spent time with his older brother Phil, wife Kathie and their 2 children Andrew and Jane for several months. Family and friends were always a big part of Jim’s life. He would make travel arrangements specifically to visit with friends and family.

Jim’s first trip to Alaska was to Ketchikan AK around 1974. He worked for a survey/logging company where he lived in a remote camp in the Tongass National Forest. Back home in Rochester NY, he bought an old Ford Panel Truck and drove it up the Alcan Highway, with the intention of driving to Nome. Once he was in AK, he realized there were no roads Nome. He ended up in Fairbanks, during the pipeline days and met a young woman, Holly Kennedy from California. The campground was crowded with people waiting to work on the pipeline. Holly’s tent leaked during the rainy days and Jim offered her dry shelter in his Ford Truck. They were married in the spring of 1976 and had 3 children, Melody, Casey and Nona. They lived in a dry 2-room cabin off of Murphy Dome Rd for over 10 yrs. Jim and Holly finally moved into a home with running water and electricity in the late 1980’s.

Jim taught mechanics at Hutchison High School for a few years, before taking a job as the lead Mechanic for the US Postal Service. Everywhere he worked, he made lifelong friends. After 30 yrs at the Post Office, Jim retired, at age 70. During their 49 yrs together they had many adventures, traveling & camping throughout Alaska and the United States. Jim finally made it to Nome, when his 3 children surprised him with a trip to Nome as a retirement present.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Margaret Debenham, his sister Sue, and brother Phil. Jim is survived by his wife, Holly; his children Melody of Fairbanks, his son Casey

& wife Rosalie of Juneau, and his daughter Nona of Florence, Italy: his sister-in-law Kathie Debenham; his nephew Andrew & niece Jane who live in Maryland.

Jim became sick in the fall of 2024 and was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March of 2025. Jim did not want to have a service and he did not want to be a burden to his family. A small celebration of life was held at the family & friends at their home in Fairbanks.

Jim was passionate about donating blood and has been donating blood since he was 20 years old. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving blood or donating to your local Blood Bank.

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