In 2023, we were in Alaska to visit our daughter’s family at the fishing lodge where they work. While there we buried a box with memories for Jim’s Grandpa John and Grandma Flo. They had left Texas in the late 1930s, headed for Alaska. The death of their young son Doyle, changed those plans and they never made it to Alaska. We asked family members to send us a memory, picture, or trinket, so that Grandpa and Grandma could finally finish their journey. When we placed the box, Jim’s aunt said, “Welcome Home Dad”. It was a very touching moment.

So fast forward a year later…Jim’s dad passed away in August of 2023, so we brought the last of his ashes to Alaska. Part of the ashes would be spread at the place where we buried Grandpa and Grandma’s box. We then took the Despain family with us and we scattered the rest of his ashes in the ocean, as he loved being on the water fishing.

The area is quiet and secluded but absolutely beautiful

There was a bit of a breeze, so Cindy stayed with the boat, while Jim looked for the spot.

Jim found the spot which we had marked with a rock. It is truly a special place and all 3 of them would have loved.

The drive out was very peaceful…

The next evening, we took the Despain family with us when we scattered the remaining ashes in the ocean. Our son in law, Chris picked a spot that we could easily find again and it had a great view of Calder Mountain.

Grandpa Jim Sr loved Oscar Mayer Bologna and we were able to find bologna gummies that tasted like strawberries.

Kaylee dropped a gummy over the side of the boat, and Jim “skipped” the last one across the water.

Enjoy the fishing Grandpa Jim!!

The Alaska legacy of John, Flo, and Jim Sr. will live on in their great-granddaughter Kaylee, who finds pure joy in being a girl, living on an island, on the inside passage of Alaska. What a great legacy to have!!