Obituary: James ‘Jim’ Rollo Wilson

James "Jim" Rollo Wilson, 77, passed away on July 2, 2026. A proud resident of Juneau, Alaska, for 53 years, Jim was a deeply invested community member whose quiet dedication left a lasting mark on the people around him and the place he called home.

James "Jim" Rollo Wilson

Born in Seattle, Washington, to Edward and Patricia (née Power) Wilson, Jim met the love of his life, Patricia Claire Donohoe, in 1971 while attending the University of Washington. They were married in 1972, sharing 44 remarkable years. After Jim earned B.S. degrees in Fisheries Biology and Microbiology, the couple moved to Alaska, where he later earned a B.A. in Accounting from UAS. Together, Jim and Pat built a life rooted in public service, faith, and community.

Jim began a long and impactful career with the State of Alaska in 1975 at the Department of Labor. For 37 years, he worked diligently in various roles, ultimately retiring as a Labor Economist 3, focusing on the Alaska Unemployment Insurance Program. In this role, he was instrumental in safeguarding the program’s actuarial health, making sure funds were available to Alaskan workers when they were needed. He researched and published numerous articles and advisory papers on economic topics for departmental decision-makers and state legislators.

Beyond his official duties, Jim was a steadfast advocate for his colleagues, taking on leadership roles on several union boards, including the ASEA AFSCME Local 52, the ASEA Health Benefits Trust, and the ASEA Legal Services Trust. His commitment to civic life also included serving as Campaign Treasurer for Andi Story's successful first two political campaigns to represent the people of Juneau and Southeast Alaska in the Alaska State Legislature.

Jim believed deeply in giving back and lived his life in service to others. He and his wife were founding members of Eagle Wings Community Church, and active members throughout its life. He later joined the congregation at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. He served on the boards of both churches and frequently volunteered with the Free Summer Lunch Program, ensuring local children had reliable, healthy meals while school was out.

Always open to new challenges and personal growth, Jim joined the Korean Karate Academy of Alaska in 1992 at the age of 42. He went on to earn a second-degree black belt. Though a skilled martial artist, he became known as a remarkably patient instructor, one who focused on empowering his students by consistently nurturing individual strengths in everyone he taught.

His gentle stewardship extended to Juneau’s wildlife as well. Jim was a dedicated volunteer with the Beaver Patrol in the Mendenhall Recreation Area and Dredge Lake. There, he worked to help humans, beavers, and salmon coexist peacefully, managing water levels and clearing debris to prevent trail flooding without having to trap or harm the beavers.

A testament to his profound dedication to his family, Jim cared for his wife for years following her diagnosis with multiple myeloma. Later in life, he faced his own battle when he was diagnosed with a different variety of the same cancer. Even in illness, Jim sought to help others, bravely contributing to medical research by participating in a clinical trial at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of patience, resilience, and love that can’t really be encapsulated in words. In remembering him, people describe a man who was genuine, gentle, funny, kind. He loved irony, fishing, and taking pictures of his dogs. He was grateful for his friends and neighbors, grateful for the life he lived. He was also a fighter, incredibly strong and a very good Dad.

Jim is survived by his son, Eric Wilson of Juneau, his sister, Carol Bankson, and her son, Tobias, of Mountlake Terrace, WA, as well as his cousin Larry Halverson, and his cousin Wayne Halverson alongside his wife, Darla. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his parents, and his sister, Irene. Jim is also survived by many loving extended family members, neighbors and friends.

A gathering in memory of Jim's life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Auke Rec Raven Shelter. A brief program will begin at 4 p.m., followed by an opportunity for attendees to share their memories. Guests are not obligated to bring food, but if they feel inspired, finger food or small bites are preferred. Seating opportunities can be limited, so outdoor folding chairs are encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Jim to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), to support precision medicine and clinical trials. If you have photos, condolences, or memories to share, his family can be reached at jimwilson1949memorial@gmail.com.