James "Jim" A. Fena

Phoenix, AZ – James Arthur Fena, age 90, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026 surrounded by his family. He leaves behind a legacy as a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, honored Air Force veteran, and visionary community leader.

Early Life, Marriage, and Military Service

Born on February 3, 1936 in Hibbing Minnesota, Jim was the eldest son of Arthur Fena and Lillian (Nelson) Fena. Growing up alongside his siblings, he developed a strong work ethic and a deep sense of duty. His father instilled in him a lifelong love of aviation and a keen sense of the practical and mechanical. Following his education, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. He trained in San Antonio, TX , was stationed in Japan, and he fought in Vietnam.

He served with the 6981st Security Group (Air Force Security Service), a specialized assignment that brought him to the State of Alaska. Falling in love with the Last Frontier, he made it his permanent home and eventually retired from his service there.

Central to his early life's journey was his devoted first wife, Nancy (Ording) Fena, also from Hibbing. Together, they celebrated 50 years of marriage before she passed.

A Lifetime of Leadership & Community Building

Upon transitioning to civilian life, Jim worked at Alascom being instrumental in deploying satellite communications systems throughout Alaska. He also dedicated himself to keeping in touch with friends and helping others. He was a true community builder who left a lasting impact on local infrastructure, notably organizing the community to successfully bring natural gas service to the Kenai River section of Sterling, Alaska.

His leadership also transformed the financial landscape of the state. Jim served on the Board of Directors for Alaska USA (now Global) Federal Credit Union for an incredible 35 years, much of that time as the Chairman of the Board. Under his visionary guidance, the credit union expanded exponentially, helping thousands of families secure financial stability and build their futures.

Interests, Cars, and Faith

Beyond his professional life, James was a man of many hobbies and deep faith. Besides building projects and fishing, he was an active member of the Alaskan A’s Model A Club, driving historic vehicles all over the vast state of Alaska. He found immense joy in working alongside his friends to restore and show classic vehicles, winning many well-deserved awards at car shows over the years.

He was equally dedicated to his church community at Desert Hope Presbyterian Church. Combining his love for cars with his faith, he most recently made a meaningful impact by bringing his vehicles out to promote and support the "drive-thru prayer" ministry, meeting people exactly where they were with a smile, a historic car, and a blessing.

Later Life and Second Chapter

In his later years, James was blessed to find companionship again when he married his current wife, Shirley Alberg. Jim and Shirley shared a wonderful life together, fully embracing the "snowbird" lifestyle as they split their time between the rugged beauty of Alaska and the warmth of Florence. They thoroughly enjoyed traveling with the Model A club, participating in car shows and visiting friends and family.

Survivors and Predeceased

He was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy (Ording) Fena, and his parents, Arthur Fena and Lillian (Nelson) Fena, and his brother Gerald (Gerry) Fena.

Jim is survived by:

His Wife: Shirley Alberg

His Sister: Cathleen “Cathy” Fena

His Brothers: David “Dave” Fena (wife: Jan) and Thomas “Tom” Fena

His Daughters: Debra Kremer (husband: Rick) and Lori Fena (husband: Edward Zyszkowski)

His Grandchildren: Jennifer Bachmeier (husband: Nick), Gwen D’Luzansky (husband: Adam), Lilianna Zyszkowski and Aleksander Zyszkowski

His Great-Grandchildren: Olivia, Isabel, Seth, Judah and Naomi

His Step-Children: Debra Rice and Randall Alberg 

His Step-Grandchildren: DJ Rice and Nikki Rice 

His Step-Great-Grandchildren: Lenya and Hadassah

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim's honor to organizations reflecting his love for country and community (including):

Mid Range Honor Guard, PO Box 383, Keewatin, MN 55753 (218) 994-1327

James Arthur Fena Scholarship @ Hibbing High School Foundation https://www.givemn.org/story/Hibbing-High-School-Foundation

Private services will be held.