HUMAN

Name: Jim Sartin 
Age: 74
Residence: Chugiak, Alaska
Occupation: I’m retired

Years involved with Iditarod: Since 1990
Iditarod Role: Volunteer
Current Location: AIRLAND TRANSPORT WAREHOUSE – ANCHORAGE
Date of Photo: FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Temperature: 64 F inside

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?

I first got involved with the Iditarod in 1990 when the company transferred me up to Anchorage. A little bit– had a friend who was the ex, I guess, trail master, Rick Hunter, if you remember him. And he was a personal friend of mine. He got me involved. Uh, I was here for a couple of years and then the company moved me to Asia. And I actually moved backed to Anchorage five years ago after retirement. I kept a condo up here and always tried to make it up just for a short holiday with the Iditarod, bringing people from Asia and the lower 48. So, once I retired, I got really heavy into the volunteer work.

What is your Why?.. Why are you here today and involved in Iditarod?

I’m here today because I feel Iditarod is just a huge part of Alaska. It is Alaska, so I am proud to be an Alaskan and I want to participate and as I say, I am willing to do most anything. I’m no longer into the heavy lifting. I do pass on the straw drop.

Tell me about just one of your most memorable Iditarod experiences?:

I work a large variety starting with the ointment preparation and the worm pills and right on up through. Some years I will go up to Nome for the finish, not so much the original finish, the winner. Uh, I find that they have people that need to go in late to help clean up. Everybody wants to be there for the winner, but uh, helping on the clean-up I think is more appreciated.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life… just keep positive.