James Omiak Sr.

James Omiak was born on Little Diomede Island to Bob and Susie Omiak on March 24, 1933. He one surviving daughter and brother. He had four children: James Jr., Victoria, Felicia and Susan, with Laura, his first wife. He is a widower to Marie Omiak, his second wife, and eight stepchildren.

He was a life-long ivory carver and a drummer for Eskimo Traditional Drummers and Drummers growing up in Little Diomede. He retired from the Teller Trading Store, owned by the Blodgetts. He was a carpenter and helped build the store he retired from and also Port Clarence in the 1960s. He also worked in the 1950s and 1960s at Lomens in Nome. He lived in California with five of his kids and his wife at the time, Laura in the 1960s. He then moved to Seattle and moved to Teller to make it his home.

He was preceded in death by his siblings Anne, Paul, Teresa, Sofie, Ruth, Cecilia, Patrick, Margret and twin sisters.

He leaves behind brother Sigwein Omiak and his daughter Susan Omiak, many nieces, nephews and cousins, grandchildren great grandkids and great-great grandkids.

His funeral will be held at Teller in early summer.

Thanks to QCC for the love and compassion for dad, and thanks to Bering Air.