Jimmie Ray Hoagland, better known as Jim, was born at Mercy Hospital on July 3, 1938 in Nampa, ID. He died at his ranch in Owyhee County, Idaho at the age of 82 on April 26, 2021. Jim was battling congestive heart failure and died of natural causes. Except for a couple years as a child when his father moved the family to Grants Pass, Oregon, Jim hung his hat in Owyhee County all his life. He graduated high school in Melba and married his high school sweetheart Lita Benson in 1957. Together they shared a deep love for family, rodeo, horses, cattle, farming, ranching and the western way of life. Jim spent most of his professional career buying cattle for large cattle operations across the country. He tended to always tell you what he thought (though it may not have been the most pleasant to hear); however, his integrity for himself, his family, and his business always came through fair dealing for all parties involved. Jim had a deep love for people and animals. You could tell by how well the animals were taken care of and the closeness of his family. At the time of his death, his wife, all three of his children, his daughter-in-law's, and grandchildren were at his side. Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years Lita Hoagland; sister Sonja (Ron) Fields; children: Steve (Mollie) Hoagland, Rex (Karen) Hoagland, and Debbie Gibson; grandchildren: Cody (Jenny) Hoagland, JD (Kristen) Hoagland, Stacie (Brad) Workman, Buster (Tyra) Gibson, Brandy (Aaron) Allison, Amber (Alex) Avila, Kassi (Brandon) Blanton, Amanda (Junior) Sandoval, and Kaden Gibson. Jim also has 31 great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother Ray and Faye Hoagland; brother Chuck Hoagland; and son-in-law Terry Gibson. There will be a graveside service at the Melba Cemetery on May 8, 2021 at 12:00 pm. Jim was passionate about the local community. The family is asking in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Melba Community Auction. There is a link on the auctions Facebook page. Jim also loved the sport of rodeo. Please consider donating to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund to help injured cowboys and their families. If flowers are sent, please send potted flowers so they can be planted and enjoyed throughout the year.
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