Obituary of James Melvin Tamarelli

James Melvin Tamarelli passed away at home on March 18, 2021 after a short illness. Jim was born to Melvin and Gladys Tamarelli in Wilkinsburg, PA on January 6, 1943. After graduating from Penn Joint High School in Wilkinsburg, Jim attended Thiel College in Greenville, PA. Upon graduation he served as a Naval combat officer in Viet Nam. 

Returning stateside, Jim headed West. He worked for a big game outfitter in Montana and then as a fishing guide in Eastern Idaho, on the Teton River. Jim fell in love with the West and his love of the outdoors came alive. White water rafting, hunting and fishing became a huge part of his life.

Moving on from his adventures as a guide Jim headed off to the University of Idaho in Moscow, ID where he earned a Masters in Business Administration. Upon graduation Jim had several job offers out of state, but he elected to stay in the state he had come to love. Jim went on to enjoy a successful career in Boise, Idaho as a banker and later as a stock broker.

While Jim was working hard he also managed to enjoy the outdoors, taking many trips within the US and out of the country. Although he never married or had children, Jim built a large extended family of close friends here in Boise. Jim was a mentor to many budding young outdoorsmen as well as a guide to seasoned sportsmen. He was a joy to be around at the campfire or the dinner table, and known to tell a story or two.

Once he settled in Idaho, Jim spent the rest of his life here. He leaves behind his family in the Pittsburg, PA area and a large number of friends here in the West. He was a wonderful man and generous to a fault.  We will all miss him very much.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:30, March 30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 811 S. Latah St., Boise, Id., 83705; followed by Veterans Burial Service at 2:00pm, 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, ID 83714. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Hope Yakima.