James R.
Bennetts
Attorney at Law
Our Challis office was inherited from James Robert "Jim" Bennetts, who passed away peacefully, with his sense of humor, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 91 on April 28, 2026. Born on September 3, 1934, Jim was raised in Challis, Idaho, where he lived, worked, and served his community throughout his life. Jim loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and enjoyed sharing the Idaho wilderness with his family.
Jim graduated from Challis High School in 1952 and attended Idaho State University, earning his undergraduate degree in 1956 while participating in the ROTC program. He proudly served in the United States Army, was deployed to Germany, and attained the rank of First Lieutenant as part of one of the first surface-to-air missile battalions guarding Western Germany during the early Cold War.
Jim earned his law degree from the University of Idaho College of Law and practiced law in Challis for more than 60 years, building a reputation for integrity, compassion, and service. He was recognized as a 60-Year Milestone Attorney by the Idaho State Bar. Jim merged his practice with Sawtooth Law Offices when our firm was founded on January 1, 2013, and we continue Jim's legacy of service and dedication to the Challis community.