Cordova, AK

Roger Lee “Jake” Paugh, 77, of Cordova, Alaska passed away on March 5, 2022 and is now in God’s care.

Born April 25, 1944, he was the son of the late Ray and Woodie Mayhew. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Mark Mayhew; brother-in-law, Paul Bittinger; and nephew, Paul Bittinger, Jr.

Jake is survived by his loving family, his siblings, Ray Mayhew and wife, Pat of Keyser, WV, Rita “Missie” Bittinger-Stevens of Cresaptown, MD, Debbie Bolyard and husband, John of Cresaptown, MD and Wayne Mayhew of Barton, MD. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, a host of other family members and his dog, and companion whom he loved, Benelli. Jake was very close to his cousins Tom, Tone and his wife, Patty and Dump Watson; and he was also very close to his friends in Alaska, who lovingly called him “Leroy”, Skip Jensen, whom he thought of as a brother, and his family, Frank Plant, Mike Bulter and Mike Gephart.

Growing up Jake and his family loved camping, he would also enjoy hunting with his Dad, brothers and cousins. There are many memories of the family camping trips, family gatherings on the holidays and trips to the lake. Jake was a United States Army and Navy Veteran. While in the service he was a parachuter and received several awards, including a sharpshooter award and expert rifleman award. Following his last tour of service, he worked for the Duckworth Brothers and learned the trade of tile work. Jake made his way to Cordova, Alaska while visiting his service friend, Denny Bernard, and ended up staying there. In Alaska he first started working at the Cordova Airport, where he worked for approximately eight years. After that he began working in the commercial fishing industry. He worked with Jensen Fisheries in Cordova, fishing for halibut and pink salmon. Jake was not only a fisherman, he would help with repairs to the boat or nets and he would also cook for the crew.

Jake loved his family back here at “home”. He cared deeply for each and every family member and would always ask how each person was doing, as if he was making a mental newspaper for himself. He was always taking care of others and putting everyone in front of himself and doing everything for everyone else. He had a great work ethic, always working and staying busy, and he was a jack of all trades. He never asked for much and even during his illness and treatments he was never one to complain, he was a humble man. Jake lived a simple, modest life. He lived off the grid in Alaska, he was not bound by materialistic things. He was intelligent and educated himself through reading. Jake was an interesting person to converse with, he was full of wisdom.

Jake loved God. He had so much faith that it impressed others. He was a witness, he was an encourager. He enjoyed attending church and prayer meetings. Jake was the oldest in his family, his siblings looked up to him. They always looked forward to him coming home and visiting, there was so much excitement knowing Jake was home. He will be missed by his family and all of those whose lives he has touched.  

Friends will be received at the Boal Funeral Home, Westernport on Tuesday, March 15th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 12 p.m. with Brother Robert Fazzalore officiating.

Interment will be at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery at Rocky Gap, Flintstone, MD with military honors accorded by the Post 13 Combined Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Jake and his family were so grateful for all the love and prayers extended to him during his illness. They would also like to thank all of those involved with Jake’s care, Dr. Head, Delia and staff in Cordova, Alaska, the doctors and staff at the hospital and the Hickle House in Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. Eslinger and staff in Reno, Nevada, and the Dentist Dr. Wofle in LaVale, MD.