Citizen of the Year: Jim Casement

Jim Casement

Below is the nomination letter for Cordova’s 2018 Citizen of the Year written by Torie Baker.

Fueled by the words “community” and “history”, the results of the hard work of this year’s Cordova Citizen of the Year can be seen everywhere. A retired CHS teacher, he literally champions Cordova’s past, present and future in so many ways.

First, his blood runs Wolverine blue. Doing retirement his way, he continues to help Cordova students and athletes every day of the week…he’s the skipper of the weight room where he has been pushing athletes to dig deep, and shoveling out pieces crazy, high calorie pie to wt. room survivors every Friday morning, for over 20 years.

His passion for history knows no limits: he single handedly collected, framed and hung the Cordova HS class photos here in the gym which, year after year, spark fond memories and half time conversations. Keep your eye out for his next CHS history project here at CHS – it will be big.

At the top of this citizen’s volunteer game plan continues to be our local Pioneer Igloo. A lifetime Pioneer member, a very visible result of his passion for history and community was his team leadership of the successful, five-year project to restore and preserve this historic building. One of only 4 original Pioneer buildings left in the state, thanks in large part to his vision and energy, Cordova has now retained a nearly 100 year old, working piece of Alaska history, not just for us lucky Cordovans, but for everyone in the state, to use and enjoy for decades to come. He is the current chair of the Cordova Historical Commission, and he is the incoming president of the statewide Pioneers of Alaska organization.

This citizen, as many of you may have guessed by now, doesn’t stand on formality; he’s a “get it done” kinda team player. You’ll find him out the road four-wheeling with friends, you’ll find him at the games, and if you don’t see him scooping ice cream for the whole town tomorrow at the Igloo, know he’s nearby, keeping an eye on things, making it happen.

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“He’s a keeper” is the highest compliment a fishing town can give, and Cordova continues to benefit from his drive, humor and generosity: Past, present and future – that’s what he’s all about.

So, please join me in acknowledging & thanking the 2018 Cordova Citizen of the Year, Jim Casement.

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