Dad grew up in Kake, Alaska with his mother, Elizabeth (Betty) James and his father, Kelly James. He has three older brothers, Russell, David (Tushy) and Wally who were mostly grown by the time my father was born. His sister, Arlene, is three years older than he is. Grandpa Kelly was a commercial fisherman and was away much of the time. Grandma Betty also worked at various canneries. Life in Kake was challenging and my father’s family worked hard to get by.
My Grandmother Betty and my dad (peeking out of the tent), camping at Port Camden, Alaska.
“The last time I went camping with my mother and father, we slept on the boat because there were too many wolves…”
Owen James
Petersburg Visits
Several times a year my father’s family would take their boat to Petersburg, Alaska to stock up on staples at stores like Hammer and Wikan.
“I loved listening to their music- what I call elevator music”
Owen James
My father experienced prejudice for the first time in Petersburg in contrast to Kake which was a largely native community.
Elizabeth Peratrovich was a native rights leader and activist. She is remembered on February 16th and is pictured on a silver dollar.
Listen to my dad describe his first time experiencing prejudice against Alaska Natives.
My father was not able to walk for many years after his birth because of problems with his hips. He spent many days at the window pictured here, watching other kids play.
Dad’s aunt, Maggie Jimmy, his mother, father and he at Hoonah Trading during a Salvation Army Congress visit in the 1970’s. Little did he know he would spend most of his adult life living in Hoonah. 
My Uncle Russel by the family boat. The steering wheel to this boat hangs on our living room wall! 
Dad and his father at Saxman after a totem pole raising. My father raised $1,800 by performing the Raven-Eagle lovebird dance to assist the family raising the pole. 
My father and his father.