David Hix

David L. Hix, known as “Sparky” in the aluminum jet boat manufacturing community, passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 5 2026, at home in Lewiston, following a 5.75-year battle with lung cancer. He was 63 years old.

David was born Aug. 9, 1963, in Clarkston to John E and Carol L (Mathewson) Hix. David, the middle child, grew up with his two sisters Lora and Suzie. David graduated from Clarkston High School in 1981.

David had a strong work ethic and believed in doing it right the first time. His motto was measure twice, cut once. He was able to figure out how to fix and build anything. He started getting firewood while still in high school working for his dad and running a crew, then working at Pepsi while a senior in high school.

In the 80s he held many different jobs including Dave’s Custom Boats which he owned and operated himself. He went on to work for Papco Mfg in Pomeroy, Long Bluff Stoves in Lewiston and ended up at Weldcraft Marine in Lewiston. In the ’90s and early 2000s David continued to work for Weldcraft, Thunder Jet Marine/Mills Mfg, logged for a while, was the owner of Sparky’s Welding in Clarkston and then worked as a millwright for USNR in Woodland Wash., worked for Dutch’s Welding in Clarkston and was certified welder then was sent to California to work on the Yuba County bridge adding a multi-use lane to the bridge. He then became owner of Best Choice Erectors and held a class A contractors license in California. He then worked for Yubacon Inc. in Placerville, Calif. David was tired of traveling to California so he came home and then commuted to Riggins to help his former Yubacon foreman with construction jobs in the Riggins area. David then went to work at Bentz Boats becoming the foreman of the manufacturing crew. During this time he was also able to work on the James Bond boats for two different movies. David went on to work for Cromer Construction in Lewiston as a driller and as a welder/fabricator with Eagle Manufacturing in Clarkston.

David enjoyed gold mining with his dad, camping, hunting, fishing, boating and cooking for friends and family. He loved antiques, yard sales and nostalgic things. He liked tooling around in the mountains on drives with friends and family. He enjoyed helping family and friends on whatever they needed help with. On June 25, 1988, David married Kris Grimm. Together they built a long, loving relationship and family. They raised two children John and Melissa and attended many baseball and softball games. He was blessed with two granddaughters Olivia and Aubree Hix who he loved dearly.

David was preceded in death by his parents John E. and Carol L. Hix both passing away of cancer; grandparents Parker and Nora Hix, JB and Lorraine Mathewson; uncles James C. “Tex” Hix, Willard L. Hix, Lloyd L. Hix, William “Bill” A. Hix.

David is survived by his wife of 38 years Kris Hix; son John Hix (Miranda Blewett); daughter Melissa (James) Evans; granddaughters Olivia and Aubree Hix; sisters Lora Lee (Bernie) Brabant, Suzie (Tom) Uhlenkott; aunts Mary Lee Hix Hagan of Yuma, Ariz., Joni Mathewson Simpson, of Phoenix, Mary Mathewson Johnson, of Walla Walla; uncles Robert “Bob” Hix, of Lewiston, Mark Mathewson, of Clarkston and Allen Mathewson, of Sweetwater.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Family and friends will be notified once a date is determined.