Jim Dean Lindley, 77, resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on September 11, 1948, in Prairie City, Oregon, to Benjamin and Margaret (Francis) Lindley. He grew up in Seneca, Oregon, and attended high school in John Day, graduating from Grant Union High School with the Class of 1966.

Following high school, Jim enrolled in the Police Science program at Treasure Valley Community College. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army. Jim proudly served two years overseas in Vietnam and Cambodia, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving as a Lead Point Man. He was honorably discharged in December of 1970, carrying with him a deep sense of duty and quiet strength that would define his life.

Upon returning home, Jim met Judy Gibson at a dance in Prairie City. After eight months of courtship, they were married on August 21, 1971, in Canyon City, Oregon. Together they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. They made their home in John Day, where Jim supported his family through logging—a trade he had known since the age of 12. Over the course of an impressive 30-year career, he worked his way up to Bull Buck, proudly earning the title of “Boss” through dedication and leadership.

In 1997, Jim and Judy moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where Jim worked as a real estate agent for several years. As health issues related to his military service progressed, he was forced into retirement. The couple later lived in Athol before settling in St. Maries in 2020, where they made their home.

Jim was an intelligent, hardworking man who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved working in his yard, collecting rocks, and spending time outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding four-wheelers, woodworking, playing with his dogs, and taking quiet walks. When his children were young, Jim was deeply involved in their lives—faithfully attending sporting events, helping coach, and supporting them in every endeavor. Family was always his greatest priority.

Jim was a proud member of the Elks and held lifelong friendships close to his heart.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy Lindley, of St. Maries; his children, Leigh Lindley of St. Maries, Idaho, Crystal (Tyler) Hudson and Lincoln (Jennifer) Lindley, all of Spirit Lake, Idaho; his sister, Christy Dugan of Kingston Island, Washington; his brother, Benjamin “Bubba” (Colleen) Lindley of John Day, Oregon; his brother in-law Chris Gibson of John Day, Oregon; his grandchildren, Morgan Sower of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Kole Welch of St. Maries, Idaho, Alexi (Dylan) Christopher of Post Falls, Idaho, Kendall (Eric) Parent and Peyton Lindley of Spirit Lake, Idaho; his great-grandson, Jacob Parent; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Zane Lindley.

Military honors and a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.