James Randall Kvasnikoff, 46, died April 10, 2014, at the Nanwalek Clinic in Nanwalek.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. April 17, 2014, at St. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Russian Orthodox Church in Nanwalek. Father Sergie Active officiated. James was buried in the St. Sergius and Herman of Valaam Russian Orthodox Church cemetery.

James was born March 26, 1968, in English Bay, now known as Nanwalek. He graduated from English Bay High School and Anchorage Community College.

James was a member of the Nanwalek IRA Council for many years, serving in several different seats. He was currently serving as Second Chief at the time of his death. He was a lifelong resident of Nanwalek.

James also had served on the board of directors of Chugach Alaska Corporation since 2007 and served in several different capacities with different Chugach subsidiaries. James also served on the Lands and Cultural Resources Committee. James also served many years on the board of directors of Chugachmiut Native Corporation and was currently serving as the vice-chairman on the board. He also served on the Chugachmiut Headstart Policy Council. James had served as a director of the Kenai Peninsula Project Grad Board.

“James loved going to our cabin and spending time with his family, working in the woods and fishing. James and Christopher spent many hours checking on the game camera to view what wildlife visited the area. One of James’ passions was to work on issues for his community and for the youth of Nanwalek. James loved serving on the Nanwalek IRA Council, Chugachmiut, Chugach Alaska Corporation. He had managed the English Bay General Store in the past. James had taught bilingual at the school. Until January he had been the custodian at the Nanwalek School for the past seven years. He loved traveling, meeting new people and exploring new parts of the United States. James was loved by many and will be greatly missed, especially on Facebook, and his pictures of Gerdie and the family. James left a great impact on us all,” his family said.

James was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Kvasnikoff; his grandparents, Sargus Kvasnikoff, Arnold and Juanita Melshiemer, and Tim and Anesia Ukatish; and numerous aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Esther Carol Kvasnikoff; son, Christopher James Kvasnikoff; mother, Natalie Kvasnikoff; sister, Roberta Kvasnikoff; brother, Vincent Kvasnikoff Jr.; brother and his partner, Barton Kvasnikoff and Sherri Glahn; brother and sister-in-law, Gus and Vivian Kvasnikoff; brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Helen Ukatish, all of Nanwalek; nieces, Cora Moonin, Julianna Sjoblom, Nadia Ukatish, Tehya Ukatish, Natalia Ukatish and Helen Gonzales; nephews, Preston Kvasnikoff, Peter J. Ukatish and Gus Ukatish, all of Nanwalek; and godchildren, Christopher Anahonak, Angeline Jimmy, Josephine Evans, Elmer and Luke Anahonak Riley, Thomas Sjoblom, and Jermaine Romanoff-Moonin.