Jim D. Thiemens, 80

Jim D. Thiemens, our adventuresome dad and brother, passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, at the age of 80, following complications from a series of strokes.

Jim was born in Clay Center, Kan., on Oct. 11, 1945, to Walter and Edith Thiemens. He grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he attended Harding Elementary, Coeur d’Alene Junior High and Coeur d’Alene High School. There, he played football for the Coeur d’Alene Vikings as an offensive tackle. Upon graduation, he received a full-ride football scholarship to the University of Idaho, where he majored in Forestry. As a senior, Jim was selected as an All-American tackle and drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, but he chose to pursue a career in forestry instead.

Jim began his career with Weyerhaeuser Co. in Coos Bay, Ore. While there, he met and married Amber Gandy in 1971, and they were blessed with their son, Jacob, in 1977, though they later divorced. Over his long and memorable forestry career, Jim achieved many of his professional goals. He served as Woodlands Manager for Potlatch Corp. in Bovill, Idaho, and as Vice President of Operations for Koncor Forest Products in Alaska. He ultimately retired as Vice President of Operations at Green Diamond Resource Company in Shelton, Wash.

In his spare time, Jim built three homes and fulfilled his dream of living on Lake Coeur d’Alene in the home he built with his son. He was never bored. Jim loved the outdoors, including kayaking, hiking and scuba diving. Spending time in nature was an essential part of his daily life.

Jim is survived by his son, Jacob; daughter-in-law Cassie; granddaughter Mackenzie; and his sister, Linda Wendt and her husband, Darwyn.