James 'Jim' Malone, 77

James “Jim” Malone, 77, passed away in the early morning hours of March 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be remembered for his craftsmanship, music and love of adventure. 

Jim was born April 17, 1948, in Oakdale, California. He spent part of his childhood on Guam, where his father served as a Navy diver. Those early years by the ocean shaped a lifelong love of the sea that remained with him throughout his life and was passed on to his daughters. 

Throughout the years he returned often to the Pacific Coast, especially Bodega Bay and Fort Bragg, where he spent many days fishing and sharing time with his daughters. The ocean remained one of the places he felt most at home. 

Jim served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service, much of his younger years were spent working on fishing boats, where he met Kim, the mother of his daughters, Jennifer and Mary. Although Jim and Kim’s relationship later changed, they remained friends throughout their lives. 

In 1994, Jim met Mary “Jaz” Jasmin in Oldtown, Idaho, and they were married in 2002. After meeting Jaz, Jim settled down outside Priest River, Idaho, where they made their home together. Through their marriage, Jim also gained a son, Mikale Daniel. 

Jim was a talented leather craftsman and spent more than fifty years creating custom leatherwork. Becoming known to many as the “leather guy” or “holster guy” at local gun shows, he built a reputation for skill, patience and pride in his work. 

Music was another of Jim’s great passions. An accomplished guitar player, he spent countless hours playing music with family and friends, especially his longtime friend Jim Elsfelder, often accompanied by banjo and other instruments. Together they shared many good times playing music and going on four-wheeler and camping adventures, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. 

He also often reminisced about riding motorcycles with his brother Denny, a pastime that reflected his lifelong appreciation for freedom and adventure. 

He also loved the American West and the open road. In recent years he shared many memorable road trips, including a trip to Cody, Wyoming, to visit the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and travels to the Gulf Coast where he enjoyed time along the ocean at South Padre Island and Corpus Christi, where his parents were married. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Jasmin “Jaz” Malone; his daughters, Jennifer Wright and Mary (Jon) Malone; his stepson, Mikale Daniel; his brother, Dennis (Barb) Malone; his nieces, Kathy (Eric) Weisz and Amanda (Mark) Crisman; his eight grandchildren, CheyAnne Malone, Kyler Lord, Caleb Wright, Raina Wright, Brian Lord, Dylan Lord, Brody Wright and Jimmy Wright; five great-nieces and great-nephews, Zac Weisz, Tyler Weisz, Caleb Crisman, Fiona Crisman and Abby Crisman; and one great-grandchild, Evelyn Drumwright. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Trixine Malone; his sister, Patti Malone; his niece, Audrey Malone; and twin grandsons, Ethan and Evan Malone. 

A celebration of life will be held April 18, 2026.

Whether along the shoreline, on the open road, or with a guitar in his hands, Jim felt most at home sharing life’s adventures with those he loved.