James Logan "Jim" Sayre

1950 - 2025

James (Jim) Logan Sayre, 75, of Troy, Idaho passed away on Tuesday, August 26.

Jim was born on August 19, 1950, in Plymouth, Indiana, the son of the late James Wilcox and Elaine (Finke) Sayre. He attended York High School in Williamsburg, Virginia, and graduated from ISB International School in Bangkok, Thailand.

He attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he studied zoology, and graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.A. in Wildlife Management. He was a premier cross-country runner in high school and college competitions and in the Boston Marathon. He served for many years as a smoke jumper for the U.S. Forest Service based in Red Ives, Idaho, parachuting into remote rugged areas to perform initial attacks on wildfires. He later worked as an inspector for the Health Department of the state of Washington.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, hiking, exploring nature, nurturing wildlife, counting raptors during migration season for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and tending to the needs of the flora and fauna on his extensive property he fondly named Ursa Minor. He was a Protestant, but he found his true faith and communication with God in Nature.

Jim is survived by three sisters, Libby (Jason) Gray of DuBois, Pennsylvania, Pamela (Doug) Pickard of Port Orange, Florida, and Stephanie (Robert) Gray of Venice, Florida; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Pelner, Heather Billsborough, Ted Watkins, Kathleen Braun, Stephen Gray, Geoffery Benedict, Kelly Pickard, and Lindsey Schmidt; and 13 great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by a sister, Kathleen Watkins; and a great-nephew, Michael Chiodo.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. The Sorenson Funeral Chapel of Aitkin, Minnesota is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice or to the Palouse Wildlife Reserve and Rehabilitation, 245 Second Street, Onaway, ID 83855.