James L. Haines

James L. Haines, a devoted farmer from Colfax and a native of Lewiston, passed away peacefully after a brief stay at Cascadia Rehab in Lewiston. He was 94 years old.

Born on March 14, 1930, in Lewiston, Idaho, Jim was the son of Marion "Bill" Haines, who established the Diamond Shop in Lewiston in 1926, and Wannie Rogers, a Colfax native whose father, Fred Rogers, was both a homestead farmer and a former mayor of Colfax.

Jim spent his early years in Lewiston, embracing the abundant hunting and fishing opportunities the region offered. He developed a deep love for the outdoors and often shared hunting and fishing trips with lifelong friends, enjoying these pursuits well into his later years. During his high school years, Jim was an avid athlete, with football being his passion. After graduating, Jim answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he became part of the Naval Construction Battalion, known as the Seabees.

In 1949, Jim trained as an equipment operator at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego. From 1950 to 1954, he served in Guam, Japan, and South Korea, operating heavy machinery to construct military airstrips during the Korean conflict. Jim was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1954, and the experiences he gained during his service inspired his future.

With a love for hard work and machinery, Jim found his calling in farming. He returned to the homestead land his grandfather, Fred Rogers, had established in 1902 near Colfax. He expanded the farm by purchasing neighboring properties, growing his operations with care and dedication. Jim also pursued a passion for raising purebred Angus cattle, becoming known for producing some of the finest Angus bulls in the Pacific Northwest. His top-selling bulls at the Lewiston sales yards were a testament to his expertise.

After retiring from farming, Jim settled on a ranch near the Snake River outside of Clarkston, where he continued to work the land and tackle new projects. A farmer through and through, Jim was never idle, always finding something to fix or improve. His love for animals, especially his dogs, was well known, and he was often seen around Lewiston with a loyal dog by his side. Jim would affectionately joke, "They're the only friends I have," but those who knew him understood the depth of his caring nature.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Susie Moehrle of Clarkston; his sons, Rod Haines of Moscow and Matt Haines of Malibu; and his brother, John Haines of Clarkston. He also leaves behind a legacy of love and memories shared with his extended family and friends.

Jim's life was marked by hard work, devotion to his land, and a deep love for his family and animals. He will be remembered not only for the legacy he left on the farm but for the warmth and kindness he shared with those around him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

In keeping with Jim's final wishes, his ashes will be scattered across the rolling hills of the farmland he cherished. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.