James L. Haines, a longtime Colfax farmer who was born and raised in Lewiston, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, after a short stay at Cascadia Rehab in Lewiston. He was 94 years of age.
Jim was born March 14, 1930, in Lewiston. His father, Marion “Bill” Haines was the founder of The Diamond Shop in Lewiston in 1926. His mother, Wannie Rogers was from Colfax where her father, Fred Rogers was a homestead farmer and former mayor of Colfax.
Jim grew up in Lewiston enjoying all the hunting and fishing activities that the area offered. Often, he would go fishing, duck hunting, pheasant hunting and deer hunting with his lifelong friends well into the later part of his life. He was very active in playing sports throughout his high school years, football being his favorite sport. Shortly after his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He joined the Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Navy Seabees. In 1949, Jim trained as an equipment operator at the United States Naval Training Center in San Diego. From 1950-54 he was stationed in Guam, Japan and South Korea. He worked as a heavy equipment operator building military airstrips during the Korean conflict. Jim was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1954.
As a result of his experiences in the Navy Seabees and his love of equipment and hard work, Jim chose to engage in a career of farming. His grandfather, Fred Rogers, had homesteaded farmland in 1902 near Colfax and it was a perfect opportunity for Jim to begin his career as a Whitman County farmer. He farmed the family homestead and in addition purchased several other adjoining farms to expand his farming operation. Not only did Jim enjoy working the land, but he also had a love for animals. Over the years, Jim developed his herd of purebred Angus cattle. Buying, breeding and selling herd bulls to develop some of the top purebred Angus in the Pacific Northwest, often having the top selling Angus bulls at the Lewiston sales yards.
Upon retirement, Jim purchased his “ranch” near the Snake River outside of Clarkston. There he enjoyed working on his property, always with a project underway. A hard-working farmer who never stopped moving. There was always something to do or an auction sale to attend, Jim never sat idle. He could often be seen around Lewiston with his dog by his side. Jim loved his dogs … he had a big heart for animals and would always jokingly say … “they are the only friends I have!”
Jim is survived by his daughter and two sons, Susie Moehrle, of Clarkston, Rod Haines, of Moscow, and Matt Haines, of Malibu; and his brother, John Haines, of Clarkston; along with their respective families.
James Haines made a profound and lasting impression on all who knew him. He left his mark upon the land and in the hearts of many. He will be deeply missed.
Jim’s final wishes were to spend eternity in the hands of God and his ashes spread across the rolling hills of the farmland he loved. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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