Jack Cleveland

John M. “Jack” Cleveland III, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Idaho Falls, surrounded by the family he cherished. Jack leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication.

Born and raised in Oak Lawn, Illinois, Jack was the second son of John M. Jr. and Grace Cleveland. His childhood was filled with adventure, exploring the lush forest preserves of South Chicago on his bicycle with his older brother and hunting small game in central Illinois. It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Joyce Keller, through his sister, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span 63 wonderful years.

Jack pursued architecture at the University of Illinois, and went on to work at several prestigious firms in Chicago as an estimator. In 1979, inspired by a family trip to Idaho, he moved the family to Idaho Falls, Idaho. There, he embraced the scenic beauty and adventures of Idaho and worked at the INL until retiring in 2009.

Family was the heart of Jack's world. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always coaching and encouraging his loved ones to reach great heights and celebrating their achievements. Jack's hands were gifted as a master woodworker, creating uniquely exquisite furniture and teaching his children and grandchildren the art in his cherished workshop (sometimes using his whimsical Donald Duck voice).

He had a zest for life and loved connecting with people, always at ease in a crowd, and made fast friends with anyone he met. He adored Idaho's great outdoors and spent countless joyful moments fishing, hunting, camping, boating, biking, or riding his beloved blue Ford tractor with the ever-present Chapstick in his pocket.

Jack is survived by his wife, Joyce; his four children, Chris (Karen) Cleveland of Olympia, WA, Craig Cleveland of Salt Lake City, UT, Kevin (Françoise) Cleveland of Meridian, ID, and Andrea (Rocky) McDowell of Idaho Falls, ID; precious grandchildren, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; and his sisters, Pat Maley and Celeste Boucher.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 3, 2025, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 905 S Lee Ave.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to College of Eastern Idaho, https://ceigiving.org , in his memory.