James “Jim” Weir Price, 91, passed away on April 1, 2025, in the presence of loved ones in Tacoma, Washington. He was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, mentor and friend to many generations as he was blessed with a long full life.
Jim was known as a gentle person with a quiet strength and deep sense of integrity. His was a steady presence that could be relied on – he always showed up for everyone. He displayed a calm demeanor and silent wisdom. A man of few words he was deeply attentive with an exceptional gift of observation and insight. By example he taught values of courage, compassion, kindness, generosity, honesty, perseverance and gratitude – a profound legacy to his loved ones.
He was born October 18, 1933 in Sitka, the fourth child of Frank and Jessie Price. As his father, Frank D. Price, was a U.S. marshal, Jim was born at home in the federal building in Sitka which later became the old post office and now is city hall. He often joked he was “born in jail” as the only jail in town shared the same building. He loved to tell that story as many would probe for more details and to his delight he would carry them along a path of speculation.
Both his father and mother were orphaned at a young age and then resided at the Sheldon Jackson missionary school sponsored by the Presbyterian Church for Native children. They both had high praise for the school and the church. His mother graduated, attended college at Oregon State then returned as a teacher for three years at Sheldon Jackson. They married and had five children: Myrtle, Gertrude, Frank, James and Georgia.
The Prices were devoted members of the church, with a strong dedication to serving the community. Frank D. Price had been very instrumental in the formation of the Alaska Native Brotherhood as a very young man. He was later elected to the the Alaska Territorial Senate but was died December 1946 before taking office. The family banded together to support each other under the tutelage of their mother, who provided a loving happy home.
James married Mary Nelson and had two children Debra and James. After serving in the U.S. Army he returned to Alaska and ultimately worked as an agent for New York Life Insurance Company. The family relocated to Bellevue, Washington, in 1967 but always returned to visit their beloved family and homeland which was Sitka.
James' greatest passion was for Alaska Native rights. He pursued this cause diligently while in Sitka and for many years in Washington State. He was the longest serving delegate for the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, and was instrumental in laying down a foundation for the eventual passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, which was signed into law in 1971.
Many hours of work and extensive travels took him down the path of serving his people in many roles and capacities. He was unrelenting in this pursuit, unwavering in his resolve and unwilling to yield or deviate from the this goal; he stayed the course.
Jim was very frail in his last days of life but his devoted wife of 38 years, Sandy Price, stood steadfastly by his side in all seasons of life until his final days. Sandy made arrangements to accompany Jim to Juneau so he could attend the Tlingit and Haida Council delegate meeting on April 16, 2025. Despite noble intentions this was not to be as Jim suffered a catastrophic stroke with no hope of recovery and eventually died April 1, 2025.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved son, James D. Price, whose early passing March 16, 2024, was a catastrophic and deep felt loss he endured in his last year of life. He leaves behind an extensive family including wife Sandra Price, daughter Debra Price Kelly, brother Frank D. Price, sister Georgia Price Barnard, granddaughter Kym Kelly Boyd, granddaughter Julia Kelly, great-grandson Gage Boyd, great-granddaughter Cedar Boyd, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
"This remarkable man will be missed by the many he left behind. His precious memory lives strong in the hearts who loved him," the family said.
A military memorial service was held June 30 at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, and at Puyallup Community Church in Puyallup, Washingon.
