Paul Max Pelham

Paul Max Pelham, 80 of Grangeville, Idaho, passed away peacefully August 11, 2023, at his son’s home in Lakeland, TN.

He was born to Luther James Pelham and Edna Fern Hodges on June 3, 1943, in Cross Roads, MO, where he spent the first years of his life. His family then moved to Bend, OR, and then on to Payette, ID, where he graduated from Payette High School in 1961. Following high school, Max attended Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, OR, where he played on the basketball team. He also enlisted in the Army National Guard as a member of How Btry, 116th Armd Cav in Payette. During this time he also took up sky diving as a hobby and was recognized with several awards.

At the age of 21, he married Margery Lee Polley in Fruitland on Jan. 2, 1965. They made their home in Payette. They welcomed their first child, a son, Randall Grant, on Sept. 14, 1965. In 1971, they moved to McCall. There, they welcomed their second son, Norman Todd, on Nov. 20, 1971. They resided in McCall until 1987, before moving to Riggins.

During his time in Payette and McCall, Max worked as a green chain puller, auto parts salesman, real estate salesman and appraiser and real estate broker. He established Pelham North Realty while in McCall and was heavily involved in community service through his work with Jaycees, Winter Carnival and the Chamber of Commerce. He also served two terms on the school board.

After moving to Riggins, Max worked as a grocery manager. He also began a career as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician with Salmon River EMS. During his time there, he was pivotal in helping raise the funds and purchasing the first defibrillator for Riggins.

On Sept. 1, 1989, Max began working at the Idaho County Assessor’s Office. It didn’t take long for them to make the move to Grangeville in 1990. One of Max’s favorite areas to appraise was the Salmon River canyon. This allowed him to also pursue his passion for grave history. There weren’t many people who knew more about the scattered graves of Idaho County and he usually could recite their history from memory. Max retired Dec. 1, 2010, and devoted his extra time to teaching all levels of CPR, EMT and EMT Trainer qualifications. He served as an active Grangeville EMT from 1990 up until 2009 and even in his ‘retirement’ there was usually a radio on in the house for him to keep track of ‘his’ EMTs. One of his proudest achievements as an EMT was his work to get an extrication truck and associated equipment for the GEMTA.

Although Max could appear to have a gruff exterior, he became a friend to practically all who had dealings with him. He was sought out by many for his knowledge and insight on a wide range of subjects. His curiosity led him to explore a variety of hobbies throughout his life including gardening, fishing, shooting, rappelling and genealogy.

Max enjoyed his years of retirement. He was able to spend every day with his beloved wife of 58 years and visit often with his closest friends and extended family. This period of his life allowed Max and Margery to be involved in the lives of their two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Max was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived by his two sons, Randall (Libby) of Lakeland, TN and Todd (Marlene) of Klamath Falls, OR; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Sue Ross (David), Judi Hughes (Scott), Donna Stone (Fred), and his brother, Stan Pelham.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are being made under the direction of Blackmer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grangeville Emergency Medical Technician Association.

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