Long-time Wasilla resident John M. Holcomb, 83, passed away on October 23, 2022, at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
John was born July 10, 1939, in Foss, Oklahoma, to Alvah and Bessie Holcomb. John had 12 brothers and sisters, and is survived by Beatrice (Flores), Lowell Dee and Charles (Charlie). John drove his family to Alaska in 1966 across the Alaskan Highway (Alcan Highway). His career included the Alaska pipeline and the oilfields at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. John was proud to call Alaska home.
John is survived by his children, William (Bill), Christopher (Chris) and his wife Valerie (West), Carl and his wife Ingrid, Alana (Williams), and Sean; eleven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, and, of course, his countless friends. John was preceded in death by his long-time companion and best friend, Jane Ann Aldrich who died on September 3,2022. Jane Ann shared his love for the state of Alaska and antique cars. She was actively by his side at every car show along with their beloved dogs. John and Jane Ann had spent 30 beautiful years together.
John was an avid pool player and an enthusiast of building hot rods and restoring old model cars. Over the years, John’s cars were awarded numerous trophies at the local car shows. At the time of his death, John was the president of the 49th State Street Rodders car club. The love of show cars, and drag racing at the Alaska Raceway Park, was shared with all of his children, with eldest son, Bill, racing his Suzuki at every given opportunity, supported by his family in attendance. Other sons, Chris and Sean share a love of restoring old model show cars and careers in the Alaskan oilfields.
John will be especially remembered for his love for family, America, Alaska, hot rods, and antique cars. A celebration of life will be held on December 10th at 2 p.m. at Mat-Su Evangelical Church 5201 E Mayflower Lane in Wasilla. Refreshments to follow.
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