John William Nigh passed away peacefully on December 7th 2025.  John was born February 28th, 1945 in Spokane, Wa to Bernice (Weller) & Wynn Nigh. He was the first of 5 children raised in Worley, Id. He graduated from Plummer/Worley High School in 1963. John attended North Idaho College and the University of Idaho graduated with a bachelors of science degree in forestry in 1969. John was drafted into the army in 1969. Following basic & medic training John was stationed at William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso, Tx.  He was honorably discharged in 1971.

John married Elaine Smith in 1971, They moved to Southern Idaho where John started his 30-year career with Idaho Department of Fish and Game. In October of 1974 they welcomed their daughter Michelle. John and Elaine divorced after 10 yrs of marriage.

John married Jaunita (Grace) Blodgett on October 4, 1982 in St. Maries, Idaho.  They made their home just outside Harrison while John worked for Fish and Game as a habitat biologist. Medical issues forced John to retire in 2002. John and Grace moved to St. Maries, Idaho to be close to family and friends. They enjoyed traveling to see family in Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin, usually with 2 or 3 grandkids in tow. John loved taking his grandkids, and great grandkids on trips through Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore and Carlsbad Caverns to mention a few trips.  John was an avid outdoors man, he enjoyed hunting, fish and passing down his endless knowledge of wildlife. John’s love of wildlife and the outdoors he always wanted to see Alaska; June of 2024 he got this wish. John did the inside passage cruise of Alaska with some of his grandkids and great grandkids; he had the time of his life. He enjoyed every minute of the trip, from the train ride, eating halibut and drinking a “near beer” in Skagway, and Riding a tram up to the top of a mountain in Juneau. He enjoyed his bowl of fruit every morning on the balcony of the cruise ship. He watched humpback whales and snowcapped mountains and even saw a grizzly bear and cub.

John is survived by his daughter Michelle (Doug) Howarth of El Paso, Tx. Sibling Willis Nigh, Susan (Murphy) Lopez, all of Worley, Id, Alice (Geoff)Greggs of Puyallup, Wa.  Grandchildren Troy (Jessica) Green of St. Maries, Anthony (Elizabeth) Green of Pullman, Wa.  Alyssa Green of Tumwater, Wa. Gregory and Kayla Howarth of El Paso, Tx.  Great Grandchildren Austin Green, Rebecca (Junior)Sherwood, Gage Green all of St. Maries. Aiden and Aleeya Green of Tumwater, Wa. Great, great Grandsons Greyson, Hunter and Bryer.  John was proceeded in death by both his parents, wife Grace, brother Tom Nigh, and step-sons Troy Green Sr & Spencer (Leo) Blodgett.  At John’s request, there will be no services.