Alaska’s Hobo Jim Shares Heartbreaking Cancer Diagnosis News

Author: Anthony Moore |

Love and support is being poured out across social media for James Varsos, better known to Alaskans as Hobo Jim, who recently posted on his social media page heartbreaking news detailing his diagnosis with cancer.

 

Hobo Jim says on social media that the last few days of the Alaska State Fair he experienced intense pain, explaining that it didn’t seem right. The pain reportedly got worse when he went to play in Wyoming and went to the emergency room upon his return to Nashville.

 

Hobo Jim reports that he was diagnosed with end stage cancer, something he didn’t know he had. The cancer spread through his system and had several large tumors. The heartbreaking message says that the cancer is untreatable by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. He has been given a 3-6 months to live.

 

Hobo Jim said that after years of working in the state as a commercial fisherman, logger, as well as cowboy, Hobo Jim took to writing songs about his occupations and wilderness lifestyle. His iconic songs, beloved by Alaskans across the state, are etched into the minds of many including the Iditarod Trail Song and Fishin’ For Chickens. His song “The Rock”, which he co-wrote with Russell Smith, has been recorded by Etta James and George Jones, he also co-wrote the Janis Ian song “Empty”.

 

Hobo Jim’s Facebook Post from September 18th

 

Sen. Peter Micciche said that Hobo Jim has defined Alaska for everyone through his music for decades.

 

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help pay for expenses with the goal of raising $75,000. Over 50 people have donated so far. The GoFundMe link can be found here.

Author: Anthony Moore

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