Salcha man killed in motorcycle accident on Parks Highway
Originally published Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 9:05 a.m.
Updated Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 11:39 p.m.
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Stumble It!Three years ago, Jeanie Kinchen had to bury a son long before his time.
Her oldest son, Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Colt Kinchen, a 22-year-old marine from Salcha, was killed in an explosion in al-Anbar province.
On Monday, she lost her second son, James, not to war, but to a motorcycle accident.
“Just when I needed him he was there these past three years,” Jeanie said. “I didn’t think I’d have to go through it again.”
About 4 a.m. James Colby Kinchen, 23, was riding his motorcycle, one of his favorite pastimes, near mile 206 of the Parks Highway when he apparently lost control and crashed. James was wearing a helmet, and Alaska State Troopers do not believe alcohol was a factor in the accident. They believe he simply fell asleep while riding home.
Jeanie recalled that her sons weren’t just brothers, but best friends growing up. They were born only 18 months apart.
Their grandfather was a trapper and alligator fisherman in Louisiana, and he taught them an early appreciation for the outdoors.
Friends described James as a “country boy” who enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Not surprisingly, Alaska was a perfect fit for him when the family moved here.
One of his biggest accomplishments he used to talk about was bagging a black bear that surprised him on his 16th birthday while he was moose hunting with his family.
“He was tough, but he had a good heart,” Jeanie said.
When James was 17, his brother announced his plans to join the Marines. Never far behind, James announced his intentions to join the Army National Guard, where he served as a medic.
“When they joined I said, ‘Do you know we’re going to war?’ But he wanted to serve,” Jeanie recalled. “If one was into something, the other was into it.”
The death of his brother in April 2005 deeply affected James.
“He decided even before we started talking about having kids that he wanted him to be named after his brother,” said James’ ex-wife, Teri.
In July 2006 she gave birth to a healthy boy, who was indeed named Jeremiah Colt after the uncle he would never know.
“He loved his son and spent all his free time with him,” Teri said.
And though little Jeremiah is too young to understand what’s happened, Teri said that when he asks someday, she will tell him that his father thought the world of him, and worked two jobs to provide for his young family.
Always the devoted family man, Jeremiah was actually leaving his second son for the first time when tragedy struck Monday.
His fiancee gave birth to a son, Brayden Emery, little more than two weeks ago, but they were forced to stay in the hospital for longer than expected because of complications.
“He was a good dad and he loved his family,” Jeanie said. “He was very family oriented.”
James is survived by his parents, Jeanie and James Kinchen Jr., sister Amie and sons Jeremiah Colt and Brayden Emery. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Community Discussion
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My sincere condolence goes out to the Kinchen family and friends. This report did not mention wether or not the driver was wearing a helmet, if speed was a factor or road conditions. This information might help save another young man's life.
My heart goes out to this fine family. As many may remember, the Kinchen's lost their other son, Jeremiah, in Iraq just three short years ago. Jeremiah and Colby were best buddies in life and they are now together, dwelling in the house of the Lord, forever. I pray that god will give Jeanie, Jimbo, and Amy strength as they struggle through this devastating loss.
God bless James, Jeanie and Amy.
RIP Colby.
The report on the radio stated he in fact was wearing a helmet.Possibly, they said he fell asleep.Very sad indeed.
I went to HS with both boys and have some awesome memories hanging out with James. May they both RIP and may the family find peace knowing they are both together watching over everyone. God bless.
My condolences to the family. I pray that you receive comfort in knowing that your boys are together with God, that they are at peace, in good shape, and are watching over you all.
May God be with this family during their time of mourning. I lost a brother at age 16 due to a biking accident. It does seem to put a kink in life to lose someone who is young still.
Both brothers are together again. God bless their family. I lost my brother and sisterinlaw in the same year and I try to remind myself that they are together. It makes it easier.
No matter how the accident happened let this be a reminder for all of us to please drive careful and watch for the other person.
Fairbanksans are like a big family and I love you all.
I went to high school with both boys.
What a tradgedy, my heart goes out Kinchen's.
They were great guys, they will be greatly missed.
May God open his arms wide open and welcome him home, This is just devasting and so so so sad. I am praying for his family with love....
415 am? seriously?
the James boys were a coaches dream to coach. always going and giving 100%. very hard workers. It is truthful to say they enjoyed live daily and had no problem sharing their zeal in their daily goals and what live had for them.
Our prayers are for the family and the grief thats must come with this life changing event.
I remember something that was said by the Juneau football coaches wife during the death of her lifelong husband:"it may be a year or a hundred years but in the end it will be like a day till we meet again."
They both will be greatly missed. Alaska lost two wonderful young men that truly lived life with the Alaskan Spirit.
May peace soon be with the family.
I was given the opportunity to work with Colby and got to know a little about his humor and spirit for life. We talked about family and I know he had a great love and respect of them. I send my prayers to Colby's family and friends.
My entire heart, as a mother and a friend, goes out to THE KINCHEN FAMILY. I have never known a more dedicated,honorable family in my life. I hold them all in the highest of respect, and wish them each a brighter future. No words I can say can calm your pain or fill your void, Please just know you are loved and People are here for you, always. And may you find the courage to face each day with hope, forever carrying your losses deep in your hearts forever. My thoughts always with you, barbi
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