Jim Dearing passed away at his home in Boise, ID on Thursday, December 1, 2022 with his family by his side, surrounded by love.  He was 82.

James Jackson Dearing was born in Big Spring, TX on July 20, 1940 to Jack and Laura Dearing.  He spent most of his childhood in Big Spring which he always credited for his incredibly healthy teeth. (He never had a cavity until very late in life). He graduated from PolyTechnic High School in 1958.  In 1961, he married the love of his life, Lana (Gail) Osborne and together they had four daughters, Deborah (Debbi), Sherri, Kerri and Susan. Jim had a 29 year career with General Services Administration before retiring.  He was a Christian man with a love of Jesus Christ and he proudly served as a deacon in his church. He was an amazing father and grandfather. 

Jim had a lifelong passion of working on cars and as a young adult he raced them as well. He enjoyed the outdoors and when healthy could be found camping, fishing, running, hiking, biking and skiing. Jim and Gail were also active in square dancing for many years while his health allowed. He possessed a playful spirit and was always one to compose a goofy song or toss out an unexpected one liner to get people laughing.  He found a way to make anything a hat whether it be the netting from a frozen turkey, a sock or a lampshade, if it could fit on his head, it was going to be a hat. He was a skilled prankster and there are numerous tales floating around about some of his more legendary pranks but a family favorite is when he found a rock that looked like a potato and snuck it into a bag of potatoes that were being peeled. The result and reaction to that prank was, and still is, a source of much laughter.  

He was a kind and selfless man. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone at any time.  He often repaired vehicles for free for those who could not afford repairs and asked nothing in return. He shared his heart and home with those that needed one.  It didn’t matter how many times his girls or grandkids needed him to help them out of a problem, he was there to take care of it no matter the time or day.  He worked long hours for far too many years to care for his family as he felt was needed.  Life wasn’t always kind to him but he took everything in stride and kept that playful spirit.  For these and many other reasons he was nominated, and was honored to be selected (out of over 300,000 nominees), as an Olympic Torchbearer to relay the olympic torch across the country to the official lighting in Salt Lake City for the 2002 Olympics. 

Jim beat cancer and survived four heart attacks before succumbing to Alzheimer's.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Laura Dearing, and his brothers, Carlton, John and Jerry.  He is survived by his wife Gail and his daughters and their spouses: Debbi & Doug Powell of Nampa, ID; Sherri & Eric Schripsema of Mesa, AZ; Kerri & Ken Peters of Los Lunas, NM; Susan & Sid Brown of Boise, ID as well as his grandchildren:  Ryan Dearing, Amber Landis, Sydney Powell, Alynne Schripsema, Alex Schripsema, Courtney James, Jacob Southard, Kimberly Baird, Kyle Southard, Joseph Southard, Maddie Dearing, Ashley Southard, Shannon Southard, Colton Wilkins, Shane Dearing, Kody Dearing, Kaitlyn Jackson and five great grandchildren: Emree, Brantley, Aubrie, Jade and Nayelli.  He is also survived by his youngest brother Joe of Eastbourne, East Sussex and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and family that loved and adored him.  His absence will be felt as far and wide as his playful loving spirit was known. He will be missed beyond measure.

The family is planning a private memorial at a later date at his favorite location in New Mexico.  Donations can be made in his honor to Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org.