James Allen Morey Jr

James Allen Morey, Jr, of Carey, Idaho, died on November 1, 2025 at Henry’s Lake in Island Park, Idaho in a drowning accident while fishing with his longtime friend, Stephen Marx, who also passed away. James was 55 years old.

James was born on February 3, 1970 to James and Margo Morey in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His family moved to Jackson, Wyoming when he was seven years old. He loved growing up in Jackson and found his love of the outdoors and wildlife through many adventures with wonderful friends and family. Beginning in his youth, James was taught the value of hard work and developed many life-long talents alongside his family’s various businesses. They owned the Golden Rattler on Jackson town square and later on Morey’s Fire Extinguishers. James excelled in several sports and was an exceptional athlete. He participated in little league baseball as the pitcher, track and field in sprints and jumps, basketball, and football as quarterback helping lead his high school football team to a state championship.

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dublin, Ireland and returned to Ricks College where he met the love of his life, Jan Kirkland. They were sealed for eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on July 30, 1993. Later, they both graduated from Idaho State University with teaching degrees. James’s major was in Health and his minor was in Biology.

James was a devoted and loving husband and father and adored his wife and children. They went everywhere together.

He had a gift for reaching youth and children and those he interacted with loved him. In 1997, he began teaching physical science and later health at Brixner Junior High in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He also coached flag football, boys basketball and track. In the last few years of living in Oregon, he was the track and field head coach at Mazama High School. Before leaving Oregon, he received a Masters of Science degree emphasizing Middle-level Education. In 2010, he moved his family to his wife’s hometown of Carey, Idaho. He began teaching junior high math, science and other highschool elective classes. He was the Carey High School boys track and field head coach for several years. In 2021, he coached his team to their first state championship with his son Riley on the team.

He served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including a bishopric member, high councilor, and many callings working with youth where he inspired and motivated countless young people to be better. He was a faithful member of the Church and often expressed his love for the gospel and his Savior Jesus Christ.

James brought life, laughter and joy with him wherever he was. He loved talking to people, mentoring and especially serving. He made friends with everyone, everywhere he went. He quietly helped people in need, always willing to drop what he was doing to help another. He was hardworking and could fix anything, and as a talented builder, built his own home.

He loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time boating, hunting and fishing with friends and family. He enjoyed countless hours at the lakes, rivers and outdoors of Wyoming, Oregon and Idaho with friends and loved ones, building memories that will last forever. James took care of his family in every way, lived his life to the fullest, kept his faith, and died doing what he loved most.

He is survived by his mother Margo Morey, his loving wife, Jan Morey, his children Lindsey Morey (Ethan), Bailie Aldridge (Andy) and Riley Morey, one grandchild, Athena Jamey Morey, his sister Marci Ridley (Doug) and brother Brent Morey (Cynthia). Many other nieces, nephews, inlaws and others loved and adored him and will also miss him greatly.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 10th at 1 p.m. in Carey, Idaho at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse. The funeral services are under the direction of Wood River Chapel in Hailey, Idaho. A private viewing for the family will be held prior to the funeral. He will be interned in the Carey Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the dedicated service of the men and women of the Fremont, Bingham and Bonneville Counties Search and Rescue units and Idaho State and Teton Wyoming search dog units who worked tirelessly to locate James and Stephen at Henry’s Lake. Because of their skill and diligent efforts, our family has greater peace and closure.

God be with you til we meet again. Morey gone fishing.