James Heath Meneely, 87

James Heath Meneely was born July 18, 1938, in Moscow, Idaho, to J. Frank and E. Faye Meneely. Jim passed away at his home Aug. 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-Js. In 1960, Jim and Jan made their home in Kootenai, Idaho, 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 Gill's Honda Shop in Sandpoint before becoming a sawyer at Arrow Tie Mill in Ponderay. Later Jim and 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) and Allison (Trevor) Schneider; his great-grandchildren, Atlee, Tucker and Grant Colin, Charlee and Hank Cannon, Trent and Bryant Ferris, Turner, Austin and Weslie Butts, Layney and Layton Halliday, Reece and 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 and Faye Meneely; his sister, Evelyn Collins Perry; his father in-law and mother in-law, Rolfe and Barbara Hottell; his mother-in-law, Jean Hottell Lynch; his brothers-in law, Jim Hottell and Bob Hottell; and a niece, Jaylin Chapman.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Sept. 27, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the family home in Kootenai, Idaho. Please join us and bring a story to share.

Family and friends are invited to sign Jim’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.