Background
Ruotsala, James Alfred was born on February 17, 1934 in Juneau, Alaska, United States. Son of Bert Alfred and Eva (Karppi) E.
Ruotsala, James Alfred was born on February 17, 1934 in Juneau, Alaska, United States. Son of Bert Alfred and Eva (Karppi) E.
Student, University Maryland, 1960—1961. Student, Basic Officers School, Maxwell Air Force Base, 1964. Student, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, 1985.
Associate of Arts, University Alaska, Kenai, 1990. Bachelor in Photography, Shaftesbury University, 1997. Master of Arts in Journalism, Shaftesbury University, 2001.
Assistant division manager, Macmillan Public Company, 1964-1980; manager, Denny's Restaurants, 1980-1982; director marketing and sales, Air Alaska, 1982-1989; state security supervisor, Lieutenant, Knightwatch Security, Juneau, Alaska., 1990-1996; retired, 1996. Archival director Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, 1987-1990.
Journalist 1st class United States Navy, 1951-1956. Sergeant United States Army, 1958-1964. 1st sergeant United States Army Reserve, 1983-1994.
Retired United States Army Reserve, 1994. Colonel Alaska State Defense Force, 1985-1998, retired. Member of American Aviation History Society, Aviation and Space Writers Association, Pioneers of Alaska (secretary 1988, vice president 1989, president 1990, Igloo 33, treasurer 1994-1995, president since 2002, Igloo 6, Certified Appreciation 1988, Alaskan of Year award 2000), American Legion (historian, post 25 Commander 2002-2004), Reserve Officers Association (public affairs officer since 1985), Veterans of Foreign Wars (senior vice Commander 1995, post quartermaster 1996-1999, senior vice Commander 2000, post Commander 2001-2002), United States Naval Institute, Retired Officers Association, Masons.
Married Janet Ann Whelan, July 31, 1987. Stepchildren: Theresa Cowden, Douglas Whelan, Peggy MacInnis, Michael Whelan, Bruce Whelan, Charlene Rhodes.