“But above all this, Owen James is a kind man, a man who cares for all the souls wherever he goes.”
Mark Browning
Volunteer Fire Fighter
My father has been a volunteer fireman in Hoonah for many years; he is the longest term fireman in the community. He also fought many fires in Kake as a young man. He received a medal of honor from the Governor of Alaska for assisting in the rescue of two fallen police officers on August 28, 2010.
First of all, he is one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve ever met. In these divisive times, he has always been open-hearted to people and willing to share his knowledge with all comers. His plain goodness is perhaps the most obvious thing about him. The deepest feeling I have for this man is his loveliness as a human being.
Greg Streveler, Gustavus, Alaska
Salvation Army Officer
Dad has been an officer …..
“I recall one time dropping by the home of an elderly couple for a visit and being invited to the kitchen table where they were snacking on some black seaweed. When I asked them where they got it, they told me Owen had just dropped it off. Next house, same story. It then started to dawn on me that Owen, in his quiet way, was responsible for getting traditionally harvested foods not just to the elders around town, but also to many families in need. His care for others seems boundless. “
wayne howell
One of my fondest memories of dad was when he asked me to rescue an eagle. We rescued three eagles when I was a teenager. Dad made me swim out to one because it got tired and almost drowned. He told the officer I would go out into the water to get it. I did, of course. Even when I swam back to shore the eagle stayed on my arm – the officer was very shocked to see him still there. Because of this, he asked me to take it to the cage in the back of the car. Dad hugged me and asked if I was ok and I responded, “That was awesome!” He smiled and said he was very proud of me. That was my first time rescuing an eagle.
Keira James Budke
“I’ve seen him reach out and befriend so many people who are new to the community, starting with Ben and I the first time we met him when we were carrying our homemade kayaks up the rocky beach below his house on Front Street and he invited us in to meet his family. Many people here take a long time to warm up to new folks but not Owen.”
Stephanie Harold