William James Drewry

Jun 20, 1951 -

Oct 5, 2023

William James Drewry, 72, died peacefully from lymphoma in Anchorage, Alaska, with his two sisters spending the last week with him. He was born in 1951, to Guy and Patricia Drewry. He joined a military family that eventually included four additional siblings.

Jim was a free spirit and followed many different paths during his life. Jim received a mass communication degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He spent several years as a documentary filmmaker, as well as working in the film industry in Hollywood. Jim was a prolific reader and also did some writing of his own.

In 1998, Jim made his way to Alaska and found the isolated community of McCarthy in the Wrangell Mountains. On the McCarthy Road he purchased Chokosna Station, the old bunkhouse station for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which hauled copper ore from Kennicott 196 miles to Cordova from 1911 to 1938. He constantly improved his property, including a library for his many books and recently installed a pool table, which he wasn't able to enjoy before he passed.

During the summer months he managed the parking lot at the end of the McCarthy Road for over 20 years. Every winter he traveled outside and always spent the holidays with his family in Kentucky and Virginia. For many years, he had a pet rabbit named Dinner, who was his companion and traveled with him wherever he went. Dinner passed earlier in 2023.

Jim will be remembered for his love of life and his insatiable pursuit of knowledge. He made many friends at the end of the road and will be missed by many.

He is survived by his sisters, Pamela Downey (Rich) and Patricia McCulloch (Barney); brothers, Guy Drewry (Martha, deceased) and Paul Drewry (Paula); and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his parents. Jim's ashes will be scattered summer 2024, with a Celebration of Life in McCarthy. Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Patricia McCulloch, 5610 Wolf Ridge Road, Prospect, KY 40059.