On Tuesday night, a special concert was held to honor Hobo Jim with special performances to honor Alaska’s official balladeer at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy was the guest speaker and issued a proclamation declaring December 21, 2021 as Hobo Jim Day.
Jim Varsos, widely known as Hobo Jim, moved to Alaska, and made it his home in the early 1970s living a traditional Alaskan lifestyle working as a commercial fisherman, logger, and cowboy. He made music that honored the Alaskan experience and showcased the resiliency of the Alaskan spirit representing the traditional Alaskan way of living.
Hobo Jim spoke to KSRM, just before he passed, on his love for Alaska:
“You know, it’s no surprise to anybody out there that outside of my wife, my state has been my passion. It’s been wonderful to me to write about it and live it and take it around the world, talk about it. Alaska is a fantastic place.”
Hobo Jim was named the Official Balladeer by the Alaska State Legislature in 1994 and is remembered for many songs including the Iditarod Trail as his music brought awareness to the lifestyle, rich beauty, wilderness, and diversity of the people of Alaska.
All proceeds from the Tuesday night concert were given to Hobo Jim’s wife Cyndi Varsos.
Hobo Jim said:
“I’m just trying to make sure that all my ducks are in order for takin care of my wife when I’m gone and I’m good with everything.”
Hobo Jim passed away on October 5th with his wife by his side. December 21st would have been Hobo Jim’s 69th birthday.