James Irvin Kingrea

Apr 3, 1950 -

Dec 28, 2020

James Irvin Kingrea, 70, passed away surrounded by his family on Dec. 28, 2020, after a valiant seven-year battle with cancer.

Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on April 3, 1950, to Genevieve Cooney Kingrea and James Kingrea Jr. He grew up in Springfield, Pa., with cherished summers spent in Stone Harbor, N.J. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1968, and studied at Stout State University.

Jim married Catherine Hughes in Wisconsin on June 6, 1970. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1970 and spent seven years as an air crewman and structural mechanic on C-130 and SH-3 aircraft. He fell in love with Alaska while in Kodiak from 1972 to 1979. Jim and his wife moved to Fairbanks in 1979, where he worked in the welding industry and then moved into pipeline inspection work.

In 1989, Jim relocated with his wife and three sons to Eagle River to work for Alyeska Pipeline and eventually for ASCG Inspection and Cornerstone Construction. Fishing, hunting, snowmachining and skiing were his favorite outdoor activities. He played ice hockey at a young age, through high school and college. When his youngest son was 4, he began coaching hockey for Mustang Hockey Association in Eagle River, and then several years later for the Polar Ice Caps in Anchorage. He passionately coached his favorite game and mentored his sons and other youth hockey players for 15 years.

Jim loved to travel, but his favorite vacation spots are in Thailand. He loved the Thai people and the beauty of the country. He relished attempting the Thai language, spending time with elephants, fabulous food, wonderful beaches and the intrigue of the Buddhist temples and way of life.

Jim founded 84th Street Construction in 2006 and his sons joined him to do residential construction and remodeling in Anchorage, Eagle River and Chugiak. He worked in a consulting capacity until his death.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Catherine; sister, Virginia Marchlinski; nephews, Mark and Jim; sons, Ryan Kingrea (Brittany Goodnight), Evan Kingrea (Soleita Chey) and Dylan Kingrea (Trisha Hulse); and nine granddaughters, Lily, Wren, Aubree, Felicity, Leanna, Ella, Kamber, Honorah and Charlie.

Jim valued his friendships with so many and was compassionate and empathetic. He was a great patriot. His love for his family, zest for life, positive attitude and great sense of humor will forever be remembered and celebrated.