James Paul "Jim" Jensen, 69, Idaho Falls, ID, formerly of Sidney, MT

If there is a river to be fished in heaven, with a cold Budweiser and a pack of Camels at hand in a favored flannel shirt, Jim is there right now, soaking up the sun with his soulmate, his good old dog, Jake.

James Paul "Jim" Jensen was born Aug. 28, 1954, to Lola (Gaffield) and Clarence Jensen. The only boy, and adored by his sisters Linda, Carol, and Judy. Jim was the third Jensen child. He grew up in Sidney, MT, and to be sure, his heart never left though his feet sometimes roamed. Jim served in the U.S. Army and made a home in other seasons of his life in California, other parts of Montana, and finally in Idaho.

Jim married Melva Reidle in the early '70s, and to this union his only son, Jeremiah Patrick was born in March 1975. In 1983, he was joined in marriage to Paula Verhasselt and his daughter, Sara Lynn, notably named by Jim after his favorite farm cat, was born in June 1985.

He was a self-proclaimed jack-of-all-trades and in his life was a diesel mechanic, a logger, an offshore driller, a carpenter and specialty woodworker, a shed builder, and a handyman. In short, if it was broken, he could fix it. He was a fan of old trucks, long drives, dirt roads, and the "scenic route" which was often code for happily lost. Adventures with Jimmy often turned into misadventures, which turned into belly laughs and great stories. He especially loved dogs, kids, classic country music on the radio, and a good crazy woman.

Passing at home in the early hours of Jan. 20, 2024, in Idaho Falls, ID, Jim will be missed in the lives of those he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, many beloved animals, several lifelong friends, his beautiful niece, Lori, and his late companion, Helen.

He is survived by his sisters, Linda (Ted), Carol (Bill), and Judy; multiple nieces and nephews; his good friend, Debbie; and of course, his children, Jeremy (Marce) Jensen, Sidney, MT; and Sara (Dustin) Langley, Idaho Falls, ID. Papa Jim is also survived by his grandchildren, Brody, Bailee, Danikah "Dani," Honorina "Nina," and Johnaven "Johnny." His presence will ever be missed at the kids table, where he most loved to be.

Services for James Paul "Jim" Jensen, 69, Idaho Falls, ID, formerly of Sidney, MT, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Pella Lutheran Church, Sidney, MT.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.woodfuneralhome.com.