Douglas Jay Inns

On November 21, 2020, Douglas Jay Inns died peacefully at home at the age of 64 following a long illness. 

Doug was born December 18, 1955, in Pasadena, Texas, to Clarence William Inns and Nancy Ann Fletcher. He grew up in Texas, Virginia, and Hawaii where the family moved in support of his father’s US Air Force service.  He moved to California with his mother, and later to Idaho, where he spent the remainder of his adult life.  

Doug worked numerous construction jobs through the Laborers Union Local 155, and later took a position at NRF where he worked until reaching retirement. He loved his job and co-workers; many became life-long friends who have been very kind to him during his illness. He owned a downtown Idaho Falls business, The Hockey Stop, where he sharpened skates and sold sports equipment for several years. He thoroughly enjoyed his association with the regional ice-skating community.

Doug loved to go fishing---any place, any time, with anyone. He enjoyed putting his boat in at Byington on the South Fork and going upriver into Swan Valley. He would then work his way back downriver stopping at his favorite fishing spots. Many accepted his invitation to join him for a day out on the river.

Born with the gift of gab, he enjoyed striking up conversations with people from every walk of life, which resulted in many warm associations and friendships. He was very generous with his money and time. He also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen learning new recipes and creating meals to take to loved ones.

Doug would frequently pay for groceries when someone’s card was declined and always told them to pay it forward instead of back to him. He donated liberally to fundraisers, whether it was for funeral expenses, a youth sporting activity, or for someone who was suffering from an illness.  Doug volunteered to help many meaningful organizations throughout his life.  Most recently, he had been volunteering at the Shelley Food Bank until COVID restrictions prevented him from doing so. He always tried to help people in need and did not judge anyone for their circumstances.

Doug married the love of his life, Brenda Price, on July 22, 2004. They each brought three children to the marriage.  Doug and Brenda enjoyed traveling and took many great vacations together from New York to California and so many places in between.  They would spend every Mother’s Day driving through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks looking for baby animals. Doug’s relaxed attitude made any outing fun. 

Doug is survived by his three children, Justin (Amanda) Inns, Ryan (Heather) Inns, and Jessica O’Connor as well as three step-children, Danielle (Cesar) Herrera, Jenna Price, and Spencer (Kelsie) Price, along with fourteen grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Derek (Jana) Inns of Sugar City, Idaho; his sister, Kathy Floyd; and his step-mother, Vickie Inns, of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and a brother, Dana Inns. 

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Hands of Hope Home Health & Hospice for the quality care that was given to Doug during his illness. 

Cremation services are through Wood Funeral Home of Idaho Falls, and a Remembrance of Life gathering will be held in the outdoors near the river in the springtime. If you would like to remember Doug, please do so by being a little extra generous, a little extra forgiving, and always telling your people how much you love them.  The family asks that donations be made to your local food bank in his name.