James Richard Meyer, 67, died Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at his home in Hayden, Idaho.

James was born November 6, 1946, in Santa Barbara, Calif., to Frederick Meyer and Marjorie Anderson Meyer. As a child, James developed a great interest in, and love for, animals and knew early on he wanted to be a veterinarian. After high school, James attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo College, and then transferred to the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1971.

While attending school at Davis, he met Linda Henderson. They wed in 1970 and had four children. James and Linda were married for 29 years until her death in 1999.

James and family moved to Hayden, Idaho, in 1989, where he joined Prairie Animal Hospital. During the 24 years James spent at Prairie Animal, he formed special friendships and bonds with his fellow veterinarians and co-workers. This was his second family.

James met and married Mari Lou Schneider in 2002. They have been married for 12 years, and together enjoyed being grandparents to six beautiful children. He loved his family, his grandchildren, and living in the beauty of North Idaho. Jim lived his life to the fullest and spent his days running, fly-fishing, golfing, and skiing.

James' response to his illness was to embrace every day he had left with hope, courage, laughter and joy. This was the way he lived his life, and the legacy he will leave to all who knew him. His sharp wit, gentle nature, and kindness will be cherished in our hearts forever.

James was preceded in death by wife, Linda Meyer; son, Joseph Meyer; and parents, Fred and Marjorie Meyer. He is survived by his wife, Mari Lou Meyer, of Hayden, Idaho; three daughters: Kristin Richardson (Marshall) of Hayden, Idaho, Lindsey Meyer of Hayden, Idaho, and Natalie Meyer (Brian Kray), of Bozeman, Mont.; two stepsons: Jeremy Cline (Sarah) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Joel Cline of Tahoe, California; brother, Fred Meyer of Wappingers Falls, N.Y.; six grandchildren: Nolan Bain, Kory Bain, and Jacqueline Richardson of Hayden, Samuel Meyer of Hayden, Brighton Cline of Coeur d'Alene, and Luca Kray of Bozeman, Mont., and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at Anthem Friends Church, 251 W. Miles Ave., Hayden, Idaho. Memorials may be made to the Kootenai Humane Society or the Soul Restoration House.