James Dee Manis, age 37, of Delta, died due to injuries suffered in an auto accident on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 near Leamington, Utah. Dee was born on March 16, 1983 in Delta, Utah the middle child of five born to Phillip Walter and Eathel Vickie Church Manis. He grew up in Delta and attended area schools. Growing up his father participated in motorcycle racing, and when he was 7 years old, Dee was ready to join in the fun. Between ages 7 and 12, Dee participated in many motorcycle races, winning many trophies. He loved activities palling around with his brothers. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and participated in football, soccer, and basketball. Dee seemed to always have friends over and spent plenty of time after school riding motorcycles and skateboarding around the neighborhood. Eventually he was hired by and exploration drilling company. He traveled to jobs throughout the western states drilling for oil, natural gas and precious metals.
Dee’s favorite activity was spending time with his children. He was the father of four children. Whenever he could he enjoyed taking them to the zoo, aquarium or an afternoon at the skate park. Dee was a hard worker and he enjoyed spending time in the garage working on his cars and motorcycles. He had recently taken an interest in woodworking and had a collection of several of his creations. In recent years he has also enjoyed many motorcycle adventures with his coworkers, but they also cost him a lot of pain - having broken his back, neck and collarbones from motorcycle wrecks.
Dee will be remembered for his fun and adventurous spirit and his love of family.
Dee is survived by his children: Koda Manis, Kaydence Hurlburt, Cheyenne Manis and Kaleb Manis; father: Phill Manis, Ely, Nevada; mother: Vickie Manis: Delta; sister: Jessica Manis, Delta; brothers: Wade Manis, Las Vegas, Nevada; Rick (Shantel) Manis, Delta; Cole (Amy) Manis, Cedar City; grandparents: Dee and Eathel Church, Delta. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Walter and Bonnie Manis.
A Viewing and Gathering to share memories of Dee will be held on Monday, October 26, 6:00-8:00 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary. Masks and Social Distancing are encouraged. Online condolences may be left at www.nicklemortuary.com