James Walter Leberknight

James W. Leberknight, lovingly known as Jim, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, at the age of 94.

Jim’s favorite place was home, surrounded by family and close friends – telling stories, playing games, reading, and sharing laughter. He also found deep joy outdoors, appreciating the beauty of the world God created. Whether under open skies or around the kitchen table, Jim was happiest when he was with the people he loved.

Jim was born on October 27, 1931, in Brookings, South Dakota, to Ken and Helen (Lievan) Leberknight. In 1937, the family moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota. One of six children, Jim grew up in a hardworking household where the family skidded logs, raised chickens and milk cattle, and relied on subsistence farming. Those early years instilled in him a lifelong work ethic, resilience, and appreciation for the outdoors.

True to his nature, Jim never followed the well-worn path. Jim served for 4 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Radio Operator during the Korean War with assignments in Korea, Guam, and Japan. Under the GI Bill, he attended Black Hills Teachers College, where he met Mary (Heald) Leberknight. Though he felt more at ease outdoors than in a classroom, it was somewhat ironic and fitting that Jim became an educator. He taught chemistry and biology before later working as a chemist at the INEL site. Jim and Mary were married for more than 60 years, sharing a rich and full life together until Mary’s passing in 2020.

Jim and Mary raised five daughters. They worked diligently to support their growing family as well as create an appreciation for the outdoors. Over his lifetime, Jim held a wide variety of jobs – teaching, logging, carpentry, working on the Titan II missile program, and serving as a seasonal park ranger at Devils Tower, Wyoming. Whatever the task, Jim approached it with curiosity, determination, and quiet pride, never losing an opportunity to teach.

Jim is the deeply loved father of Wanda (Richard) Howie, Loretta Leberknight (Ronald Klein), Joann (Patrick) Malone, Cheri Leberknight, and Teresa Leberknight (Dale Hensel). He will be fondly remembered by his siblings, Fern (Leberknight), Marlow, and Gary Leberknight, as well as by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim’s life was marked by love, service, hard work, and respect for nature. His stories, wisdom, humor, and steady presence will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 270 N. Placer. Cremation was under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com.