Jimmie Rosenbruch

Alaska Master Guide, Outfitter, and Steward of the Wild

Jimmie C. Rosenbruch, a legendary figure in Alaskan Outfitting and Guiding and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 83, in St, Utah. Jimmie departed this world just as he lived it-with quiet strength, unyielding passion for the untamed outdoors, and a deep appreciation for the adventures that defined his extraordinary life.

Born on December 23, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jimmie grew up amid the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, where his love for hunting and the natural world took root early. A natural explorer, he chased mule deer and wild mustangs on horseback with his uncle, honing the skills that would later propel him to the frontiers of Alaska. After earning a degree in Civil Engineering Jimmie served in the Army National Guard during Vietnam laying out the Nation's defense network with the Nevada Highway Department. In the early 1960s, after a hunting trip to Alaska that hooked him for good, Jimmie's restless spirit called him northward. He loaded his young family-including his wife of almost four years, MaryAnn, and their 2 little daughters into a GMC truck with a camper shell and set out for the Last Frontier. This bold adventure marked the beginning of a lifelong odyssey in Alaska, where he would leave an indelible mark on the world of guiding and conservation.

Jimmie's early years in Alaska were defined by his work with the Alaska Federal Land Use Planning Commission, under the Bureau of Indian Affairs traveling to over 100 remote Native villages to assess road improvements and airstrip connections. It was here, amid the sod houses, permafrost dugouts, and subsistence hunts of newly statehood-era Alaska, that he became utterly "hooked" on the allure of raw, real wilderness. Jim was adopted into the Tlingit Indian Eagle Clan of Hoonah by Chief George Dalton, and his bride into the Raven Clan. He immersed himself in the state's ecosystems, gaining intimate knowledge of its rivers, mountains, and wildlife. This expertise transformed him into one of Alaska's premier Master Guides, founding Glacier Guides, Inc., in 1974. Under his visionary leadership, the company pioneered yach-based fishing expeditions into then-Glacier Bay National Preserve and hunting in Southeast Alaska's Tongass National Forest-the largest in the nation. Operating luxury vessels custom-built for the archipelago's myriad islands, Glacier Guides shared the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve as well as the Tongass National Forest with adventurers from around the globe for over four decades.

Jimmie's contributions to the guiding profession were unparalleled. In 2001, he was honored as the Safari Club International Professional Hunter of the Year, a testament to his ethical practices, unparalleled safety record, and ability to connect people with the wild in ways that inspired stewardship rather than exploitation. Also earning and receiving recognition for personal International Hunting, being honored with the prestigious Weatherby Award, the CJ McElroy Award, and the World Hunting Award, as well as numerous Capra, Ovis and World Slams - collecting nearly every huntable Big Game Animal species in the world. He passed this legacy to his children, who have followed in his footsteps. Together with MaryAnn-the first female Master Guide in Alaska-Jimmie co-founded the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum in St. George, Utah, a living tribute to their shared passion. The museum's stunning collection of taxidermy, artifacts, and stories invites visitors to experience the thrill of the hunt and the majesty of nature, ensuring that Jimmie's reverence for the wild adventures he so loved would be shared with those that may not have the same opportunities.

A man of profound faith and family, Jimmie met the love of his life, MaryAnn, in 1962. Just two weeks before their wedding, he baptized her into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, embarking on a partnership that blended spiritual depth with shared adventures. Though MaryAnn preceded him in death on January 22, 2025, their 62-year union was a cornerstone of his life, filled with laughter, exploration, and unbreakable devotion. Jimmie is survived by his five children: Michelle Wenzel (Keith) of Florida, Andrea Ashley (Dave) of California, Jimmie L. "Bud" Rosenbruch (Jackie) of Alaska, Angie Hammer (Dustin) of Utah, and Alisha "Mutts" Decker (Zach) of Alaska. 10 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild and one on the way. He is also remembered fondly by his sister, Lauralee Isom, and extended family, fellow guides, and the countless clients whose lives he enriched through the time spent in wilderness.

Jimmie's life was a masterclass in living boldly: engineering roads to remote horizons, guiding souls through uncharted waters, flying super cubs between peaks and building bridges between humanity and the natural world. He leaves behind a legacy not just of trophies and tales, but of conservation, family, and the quiet joy found in a sunset over an Alaskan fjord.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St George, Ut 84770. A Viewing will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at Spilsbury Mortuary. Graveside Service will Follow the viewing at 11:00 AM at the Santa Clara City Cemetery with military honors. Family and Friends can share memories and condolences online at www.Spilsburymortuary.com

A Remembrance Gathering will be held Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Located at: 353 S Hwy 18, Central, UT Host: JUSTUS RANCH- Alisha "Mutts" Rosenbruch-Decker Details: ▪ A casual gathering to celebrate Jimmie's life through shared memories. Attendees are encouraged to share a key memory of Jimmie C. Rosenbruch, whether joyful, humorous, or poignant, to honor his impact. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Jimmie by visiting and supporting the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum, embarking on an Alaskan adventure, or supporting wildlife conservation efforts through organizations like Safari Club International. For those who knew Jimmie, he wasn't just a guide-he was the compass pointing true north. May his spirit roam free in the wild places he loved so fiercely.