James Tolan

Nov 18, 1937 -

Jul 5, 2024

James Carl Tolan, 86, of Anchorage, Alaska, died on July 5, 2024.

He was born in Munising, Mich., on Nov. 18, 1937, to Harold and Bernice Tolan, becoming a proud member of the Sault Ste Marie Chippewa Indian tribe.

Jim attended Resurrection High School in Lansing, Mich., graduating in June 1956, and worked for Michigan Department of Highways while attended Michigan State University.

He married Judie Bell of Lansing, in 1958, and they had five children: James L., Michael, Cheryl, Steven and Patrick.

In 1976, Jim took his family "North to Alaska" so he could survey for the trans-Alaska pipeline being built on the North Slope of Alaska. He surveyed many projects in Alaska and Samoa until he retired.

Jim was preceded in death by his son, James L.; parents; sister, Anne; brother, Bill; sister-in-law, Lori; brother-in-law, Richard; and nephews and cousins. He will be cremated and then buried in Cedarville, Mich., in spring 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.