James Heath Meneely

James Heath Meneely was born on July 18, 1938, in Moscow, Idaho to J. Frank and E. Faye Meneely. Jim passed away at his home on August 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and was welcomed into heaven to join his beloved wife, Jan. He was 87 years old. On May 3, 1958 he married Janet Audrey Hottell, and together they raised their three daughters Jacque, Jerrie and Julie. They were known as the 5-J’s. In 1960, Jim and Jan made their home in Kootenai, ID where they built a life filled with family, friends and community, and remained until their passing.

Jim’s love for the outdoors began in his childhood years exploring the Idaho wilderness, where his father served as a forest ranger. He developed a lifelong passion for camping, fishing and hunting. In his younger years, Jim worked at Bill Gilll’s Honda Shop in Sandpoint before becoming a sawyer at Arrow Tie Mill in Ponderay. Later Jim & Jan started Seagull Charters, a scenic cruise and fishing charter business. The two enjoyed many adventures traveling in their motorhome before they bought their second home in Arizona where they spent the winter months soaking up the sun and making lifelong friendships.

Jim cherished the days he spent with family and friends, whether out camping, hunting, fishing, or taking a drive through the mountains. He was always ready to lend a hand with a home improvement project, and those that knew him will remember his gift for storytelling and his quick wit in sharing a good joke. Many miles were passed in the car with Jim and Jan singing together, and the two shared a love for square dancing. Jim also enjoyed tending to his yard and vegetable garden.

Jim leaves his daughters, Jacque (Dave) Turner, Jerrie (Bruce) Colin, Julie Meneely Halliday; his grandchildren, Tara (Brent) Ferris, Megan (Zac) Manor, Danielle (Jimmy) Butts, Tiffany (Kyle) Cannon, Ryan (Amanda) Colin, Cody Halliday, Ashley Halliday (Stefan Buratto) & Allison (Trevor) Schneider; his great-grandchildren, Atlee, Tucker & Grant Colin, Charlee & Hank Cannon, Trent & Bryant Ferris, Turner, Austin & Weslie Butts, Layney & Layton Halliday, Reece & Cruz Buratto, Summit (and one on the way) Schneider; his brother in-law, Dave (Jeanette) Hottell, his sister in-law Beth (Ray) Holmes and a host of dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jan; his parents, Frank & Faye Meneely, his sister, Evelyn Collins Perry; his father in-law & mother in-law, Rolfe & Barbara Hottell; his mother-in-law, Jean Hottell Lynch; his brothers-in law, Jim Hottell & Bob Hottell; and a niece, Jaylin Chapman.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on September 27, 2025 @ 2:00p.m. at the family home in Kootenai, Idaho. Please join us and bring a story to share.