James Mathew Long
James Mathew Long, AKA “Grumpy Grandpa,” 80, a resident of Nampa, passed away December 8, 2023, in Nampa.
James was born February 16, 1943, in Akron, Ohio, to William and Elaine Williams Long.
He obtained his GED through the Army. He also attended college at Boise State University for mechanics. He was also a cook in the Army.
James married Marilyn Nelson on July 2, 1964, at the Community Center in Garden City by Pastor Tom Blackburn.
He lived in Idaho for 70 plus years.
James worked for a trailer factory, worked on wholesale brakes, worked for Treasure Valley Transit and was a school bus driver.
He enjoyed making lead weights for fishing with all of his grandkids. He also enjoyed square dancing, fishing, hunting, leather making, roller skating and collected coins and guns.
He especially LOVED drinking his Pepsi with a box of Krispy Kreme donut holes while in his recliner watching anything on the western channel, with bonus points being rewarded for anything John Wayne.
James is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Tom Long.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn A. Long; 2 sons, Bruce M. Long and Jeffrey S. Long; grandchildren, Cassandra D. Long, Joshua M. Long, Megan R. Long, Corey M. Welty, and Emily Rayne D. Long. All of which live in Idaho. James is also survived by Emily Rayne D. Long, and 6 great-grandchildren, also all in Idaho.
Instead of saying, “I love you,” he said, “Take care.”
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. in Garden City, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Burial with military honors will follow at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Boise.
To watch James’s memorial tribute video, please visit: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/C32G7ZCTXFPBY8Y4
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.