John Sines, a lifelong resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene. He was 80 years old.

John was born on December 6, 1945, in St. Maries to Truman and Moreeta Sines. He was born and raised in the close-knit community he would proudly call home for his entire life. On June 14, 1969, he married the love of his life, Shirley LeCoultre. Together they built a life centered on faith in hard work, family, and the great outdoors while raising their five children.

John was an outdoorsman through and through. He spent his lifetime as a woodsman and found his greatest happiness in the mountains and forests he knew so well. Hunting, fishing, camping, gathering firewood, riding four-wheelers, picking huckleberries and mushrooms, and searching for elk and deer sheds were some of his favorite pastimes. He and Shirley also shared a love of gardening, producing an abundant garden each year. Shirley lovingly canned their harvest, preserved vegetables, and smoked and canned the fish John brought home. Their family lived from the land, enjoying the fruits of their hard work, wild game, and homegrown produce.

Growing up in the well-known Sines family meant learning resilience at an early age. One favorite family story recalled how John's older brothers took him hunting as a young boy and left him alone in the woods to find his own way home. Like the rest of the tough Sines family, he did just that. It became a story that perfectly reflected the quiet strength and determination that stayed with him throughout his life.

Although John was never one to seek attention, those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, quiet kindness, and willingness to help others. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren, sharing with them his love of the outdoors and the simple pleasures of life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John is survived by his children, Jenny and Brandon Mason of Post Falls, Idaho; Lisa and Dusty Banderob of St. Maries, Idaho; Kimberly and Matthew McPherson of Grangeville, Idaho; Karen Sines and BJ Muster of St. Maries, Idaho; Jason Sines of St. Maries, Idaho; and stepdaughter Kay Mathews and Brian Bonnin of Oregon. He is also survived by his siblings, Merle and Mary Sines of St. Maries; Suzy and Doc Milliken of St. Maries; and Wanita Mokry of Plummer, Idaho; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Ron and Sherry LeCoultre, Andy and Crystal LeCoultre, and Janette Walker, all of St. Maries; 18 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley; his parents, Truman and Moreeta Sines; his brothers Doug, Trueman, Gene, Joe, and Wesley Sines; his sisters Moreeta Arnold, Betty Young, Norma Wheeler, and Vickey Worthington; and his grandson, Mckya Cordle.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John's life on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Lisa and Dusty Banderob, 7055 Hells Gulch Road, St. Maries, Idaho. The family will be hosting a barbecue and kindly asks those attending to bring a chair.

John's life was a reminder that happiness isn't found in having the most—it is found in family gathered around the table, a successful day in the woods, and a life lived close to the land. His quiet strength and gentle heart will be remembered for generations to come.