James Edward Rousey

James "Jim" Edward Rousey Sr., 80, of Wasilla, Alaska, passed away peacefully in the company of his loving wife on December 21, 2018, in Anchorage, AK. Cremation rites were accorded. Jim leaves behind his wife Erna, his daughters Diana (Dale) Seekins, Homer, AK; Mary (JR) Gordon, Bloomington, IL; Lydia (Jeff) Cochran, Bloomington, IL; and his son James Rousey, Jr., Wasilla, AK. He also leaves behind 11 cherished grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren who lovingly call him "Opa", and 3 more great-grandchildren are expected this year. Jim was born September 16, 1938, in Bloomington, Illinois to Horace and Melba Rousey. He was the fourth oldest of 12 siblings, 7 boys and 5 girls. His parents, five brothers, and four sisters preceded him in death. Jim is survived by one sister, Barb Meyers, Pekin, IL; a brother, Steve Rousey, Bloomington, IL; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. As a teenager, Jim, along with his brother Cecil, worked as a trapeze artist for Ringling Brothers. Jim later joined the Army and began his military career where he served his country for 26 years. During this time, Jim met and married the love of his life, Erna Helmer, on December 24, 1957, in Grossauheim Germany. Jim earned many promotions during his service before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1981. In 1983, he went to work for the United States Postal Service in Bloomington, IL. After visiting Alaska the following year, Jim asked for and was granted a transfer. He moved his family to Anchorage in 1986 and has since made Alaska his home. Retiring from the Postal Service in 2003, Jim and his wife settled in Wasilla, AK in 2010. Jim appreciated being challenged and loved to play games with his family. His favorite pastime was playing cribbage with his wife. Jim also liked to fish, hunt, shop, and travel. He enjoyed taking vacations with his family, going to the movies, and collecting coins. He taught himself how to do macram and how to make beaded hair combs for his wife, daughters, and granddaughters. Jim considered himself a jack of all trades and his wife kept him busy working on their homes. Jim lived by the golden rule. His kindness knew no bounds and he always gave of himself to others. He was a generous man and was loved by all who knew him. Jim was the mainstay of his family; their protector, their personal hero. Jim will be deeply mourned, but he will forever live on in our hearts and souls. A celebration of Jims life will be held on January 20th, 2019 at 11:30 am at the Wasilla Senior Center (WASI) 1301 S. Century Circle, Wasilla, AK. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or the ASPCA in Jims honor.