James "Jim" Zanelli

James Angelo Zanelli (Buster) passed away peacefully in Boise, ID on March 30, 2025 at age 61. He was born July 29, 1963 in Portland OR. Grew up in Oxbow OR with his parents Jim & Doris Zanelli & his four siblings (he was proud to be called a river rat), Jim’s family owned a river outfitting company (Hells Canyon Navigation).

He married Bonnie on December 1, 2001 at their home in Halfway, OR. Jim loved rafting, jet boating, fishing, mushrooming, getting firewood and hunting with his buddies Darren Koski and Bill Davis.  Jim attended 2 years of grade school in Oxbow, OR then finished grade school and high school in Halfway, OR, he was a formidable football player and wrestler in high school and was respected through out the Wapiti League as a force to be reckoned with.

He then attended mechanic school in Klamath Falls, OR.  In his career Jim worked in Alaska and Nevada in the gold industry, but most of his working years were in road construction as an oiler/mechanic. He made life long friends on every job he went to and loved giving everyone nicknames..  Jim was rough around the edges & and had a hard outer shell but soft on the inside for family & friends. He had a way with animals, they seemed to know he had a good soul.

Jim is survived by his wife Bonnie, step children Tammy Astley & KC (Nikki) Zachary, brother Steve Zanelli, sisters Brenda (Willy) Bates, Teri (Kevin) Gotro and; Gina (Kent) Nickels, several nieces & nephews and too many great friends to list. He was loved and will be missed by many.

A celebration of life will be held at the Copperfield Park in Oxbow, Oregon  on May 3, 2025, 2:00 Pacific Time, snacks will be provided, bring your drinks & a chair.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com