James “Jimmy” McNamee
James McNamee came north in 1889 and located on the Fortymile River where he stayed until gold was discovered in the Klondike. Joining the rush, he staked No. 60 Above Discovery on Bonanza and then acquired No. 26 Below on Bonza, No. 6 Above on Victoria, No. 8 on Homestake, a third interest on No. 21 Below on Hunker, Nos. 14 and 15 on Eldorado and No. 32 on Bonanza. In 1899, he was one of the largest and richest holders of property and the Klondike Nugget classed him as a Klondike king. The newspaper described him as genial and open-hearted.1)
In 1902, James McNamee and the miners and merchants of Grand Forks donated money to build the Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, at one time known as Saint Patrick's Church. After several years, the church was dismantled and transported by barge down the Yukon and Stewart Rivers to Mayo. It was rebuilt at its present site in 1922 and consecrated by Bishop Bonoz who celebrated the first mass in 1923.2)