James Bruce Mute

April 20, 1967 – July 9, 2022

In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth, Amen. Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostril the breath of life, and then man became a living being, and then James B, Mute was born to Isaac, Asian and May, Paniguaq Mute, on April 20, 1967. James Bruce is now absent from the body and present with the Lord, July 09, 2022. He lived his life growing up between Bethel, Kipnuk, and Anchorage. He made Bethel his final home, raising his family until his untimely passing.

He held many job titles soon after graduating high school which included working for Brother’s Pizza owned by the Hdjari Bros. Local schools as janitor and even a DJ at the Brass Buckle which now houses the Pentecostal church. He had many friends from all over and was well known by all walks of life. He loved to pick berries, fish, and help others in any way he could. Jim also was a part of Bethel Search and Rescue and helped with many rescue and recovery missions.

In the latter years of his earthly life, he turned to the Lord and that in turn changed his life, to faithfully and truly love the Lord; to follow the Lord Jesus in his heart, to becoming the life of who Christ Jesus is. He had a helping hand to all and would offer help to those in need. He was often asked to escort patients who had asked him in doing so.

James leaves behind Karen Bayayok and the four children, Jeremy, Derek (d), Briana, and Luke. He mostly was known as Jim’aq to family members, he had many other names he carried depending on whomever was around. His given Yup’ik is Tan’gurraq. James being the youngest of six brothers and four sisters, he leaves behind three sisters, Martha, Elizabeth and Sally and his brothers John and Paul. Maternal uncle Jesse Gunlik. And three paternal aunts. Numerous nephews, nieces, nephews, lots of cousins and forever friends.

He was preceded in death by his son Derek Caulaaq Mute; sister, Gail; brothers Wassillie and Samuel. Others who have passed before him include maternal grandmother Susie; Mary and John, uncles Arthur, Noah, and Arthur Gunlik, besides his parents, cousins, aunts, uncles of the Mute and Gunlik family tree, along with the Gregory’s, Black’s and Ayaprun families.

He touched many people through his blessings and prayers in person, phone calls and texts. His faithful service to God was a blessing to his immediate family and friends and all who ever crossed paths with him. He had a passion of You-Tube and surely enjoyed all gospel he ever found and had many favorites.