Harry F. Jimmy, Longtime SE Fisherman, Dies at 96

• 

Details

Category: Obituaries

Created on Monday, 04 April 2022 13:38

Hits: 3641

Harry F. Jimmy

Harry F. Jimmy, a longtime fisherman throughout Southeast, passed on to better fishing grounds on April 1, 2022. He was 96.

He had a lengthy illness and had been residing in long-term care for the last four years.

Harry was of the Gaanaxteidee Clan from Haines, and had lived in Sitka since 1951.

Harry loved to build boats, beginning from the time he built his first wood skiff at age 10. Thereafter, he continued building boats and commercial fishing with family members. His love was to be at work at his Boat Shop on Katlian while visiting with friends. He built the F/V Annette, in 1955; the Peril Straits in 1967; the Ocean Wave in 1977; and the Salt Shaker in 1982.

In June 1983, he and his son-in-law Pat Kane caught a 70-pound white king salmon. Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute donated it to be served at a luncheon in New York City honoring the famous chef, Julia Child, whose new TV cooking show had featured an Alaska salmon dish.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Irene (Benson) Jimmy, and children Clifford Jimmy and Janice Jimmy.

Surviving are his children Karen Kane, Young Harry Jimmy, Colleen Meabon, Annette Jimmy and Candace Whitson; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date. Harry requested no public memorial service or traditional Tlingit ceremony.

The family wished to recognize the SEARHC medical staff for the compassionate care provided during Harry’s time in long-term care and in his last days.

Those having questions or needing more information may contact Karen Kane at P.O. Box 2243.