James Morey, a well-loved Carey School teacher, coach, husband, and father, tragically died in a drowning accident on November 1, 2025, during a fishing trip at Henry’s Lake in Island Park, Idaho. He was 55. Funeral services were held shortly after in Carey, Idaho, where Morey was deeply woven into the fabric of his community, both as an educator and a spiritual leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Authorities confirmed that Morey and his longtime friend Stephen Marx, 64, of Idaho Falls, drowned together during their outing. Their bodies were recovered two days later from approximately 15 feet of water near the lake’s center.
Students, friends, and colleagues shared heartfelt tributes to Morey during his service. Known for his kindness, humility, and infectious sense of humor, Morey was remembered by his daughter Bailie Aldridge as someone who “always brightened someone’s day” and approached every room he entered with warmth and positivity. As a teacher at Carey School, where he taught alongside his wife Jan, he inspired countless students in math, science, and electives, and also coached track and field.
Principal Melanie Blacker described Morey as someone who made every student feel valued. “There were never any bench-sitters,” she said, reflecting on how he championed underdogs and made learning enjoyable. He and his wife also spent summers teaching school to support students who needed extra help and confidence.
The exact cause of the drowning remains unknown, according to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. However, officials confirmed it was ruled an accidental drowning. The men’s empty boat was found overnight on November 1, shortly after they were reported missing. It’s believed that Morey and Marx were fishing when the fatal incident occurred. The pair were found together in close proximity, underscoring the tragic and sudden nature of the event.
According to family members, Morey loved the outdoors and had a deep passion for watersports, boating, hiking, and fishing. “He always said, ‘I’m not going to wait for retirement to play hard,’” Aldridge recalled. His devotion to his family was evident in everything he did—from building their family home by hand to always calling his wife Jan “his bride,” even after 32 years of marriage.
James Morey’s death has sent waves of grief through the Carey community and across southern Idaho. His influence as an educator, mentor, coach, and father figure will not be forgotten. This tragic incident is a reminder of the silent dangers that can accompany water-based recreation, even for experienced individuals.
Attorney Michael Haggard, Esq. of Aquatic Attorney, a nationally recognized expert in drowning and aquatic injury litigation, extended his condolences:
“When someone like James Morey—a father, mentor, and pillar of the community—is taken too soon in a drowning tragedy, it sends shock through everyone who knew him. While this may have been an accident, it reminds us all of how critical water safety is, especially when it comes to lakes and recreational boating. We stand by families like the Moreys, offering legal guidance, emotional support, and a commitment to preventing future loss.”
While not all drownings are preventable, many occur due to negligence involving unsafe conditions, lack of safety measures, or defective equipment. Families who have experienced a drowning death or near-drowning event often face tremendous emotional and financial hardship. It’s vital that those affected understand their legal rights and the potential for civil claims, especially when third-party negligence may be involved.
Michael Haggard, Esq. and The Haggard Law Firm are nationally known for handling complex drowning cases with compassion and experience. From wrongful death claims to negligent supervision and unsafe premises cases, the firm has helped secure life-changing verdicts and settlements for grieving families across the United States.
If your family has been affected by a drowning tragedy, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. Contact Aquatic Attorney for a free consultation today. You may be entitled to compensation and support that helps you begin the path to healing.
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