James Miklus

Aug 16, 1947 -

Apr 14, 2020

Longtime Alaska resident James "Jim" Richard Miklus,72, died on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in Anchorage, Alaska, after a long and treacherous battle with cancer. A private service will be held on a later date at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Jim was born on Aug. 16, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Michael and Leona Miklus. Jim moved to Alaska after returning home from three tours in Vietnam where he was awarded three purple hearts, two Distinguished Crosses, a Medal of Honor and other notable medals while serving in the Army. Jim left Ohio for Alaska in 1977.

While in Alaska Jim continued to pursue an IBEW career, for 54 years, where he was a respected member, a trusted and valued co-worker, and mentor to many. Jim spent his early years of his career working on the great Alaska pipeline.

Alaska brought Jim not just the glory days of a lifelong career but the love of his life, Pegeen "Peg" Miklus. They met in Seward in the early '80s while running the renowned Mt. Marathon - a mountain race they ran several times together. They later married in 1995, after a dozen+ years of dating, with their best friends and family by their side. They spent a short stint living in his favorite city, New York, Jim's home away from home. The last several years of their marriage Jim was Peg's main caregiver as early onset dementia began to tear her away from him slowly. He leaves behind his love/wife of 37 years in the loving care of a niece he cherished and trusted to love her till he sees her again. A source at The Alzheimer Resource center in Anchorage said his love for Peg was an encouragement to all who knew him.

His last words were this, "You've done everything right, and everything to come you will get right also. I don't believe it, I know it. I love you, I love you very much." This absolute love and belief in people is the very thing that made Jim a hero in more than just the military, but in life and to the people he loved. He is already greatly missed.

Jim expressed his wishes that his wife Peg be surrounded by sunshine, happiness and flowers. Local flower shop Uptown Blossoms is coordinating deliveries and can be reached at 907-561-7673.