Jack Leon Walker

Jack (Jackie) Leon Walker died peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at his daughter Gloria William's home near Idaho Falls, where he lived for the past decade. A lifelong sheep farmer who valued hard work, humility and honesty, Jack nurtured a small herd of sheep into his early 90s.

Born November 4, 1928, in Iona, Idaho to George Stephen Walker and Maybelle Eggleston Walker, he joined his older sister Norma and they were devoted to each other throughout their entire lives. Eventually, the family included Betty, Barbara, baby Ray, and cousin Geraldine.

Jackie's early life was shadowed by tragedy. He was only six years old when his mom Maybelle died at age 28, leaving behind 5 children, including a 2-week-old infant. His dad George followed the work in sheep camps and Jack remembers the fear of being separated from his siblings. Determined to keep the family together, George's mother, Marcia Ann took the children, raising them on the family homestead at the end of first street. Another tragedy occurred with the death of sweet 10-year-old sister Barbie. Unsure of the cause, the family was quarantined for months. It was grief piled upon grief like stacked cord wood, but the family pulled together, made do, growing closer and strong. Eventually, the family moved to the log cabin house close to Bonneville High School. Dad was involved in FFA and basketball where he was a guard for the Ammon Hornets. He nailed a "hail Mary" bucket from his back, winning the game for his team, and was bothered by the injury throughout his life. He graduated from Ammon High School where he met a rambunctious blonde, Margret Marie Hult. They were passionately in love, wedding in 1948. One year later, the storm of the century hit, snowing them in a two room house with no running water. But they reveled in listening to music, playing rummy, and living on baked potatoes. With Spring thaw, the couple moved to Stink Creek near Mackay where they farmed. Sadly, their firstborn, a daughter, died and mom became bedridden with crippling arthritis.

Eventually, Jack and Margret moved to a rental farm in Ammon raising a family of six. The last two boys were born in Jameston, rounding out the family of eight. Dad finally realized his dream when he purchased a farm near the Taylor foothills. The Walker clan worked hard, had outrageous fun and a multitude of misadventures. Later, grandkids ran and played there unrestrained.

Margret died in the Fall of 1978, and dad raised the last three children, working the farm during the day and nights at a potato warehouse in Shelley.

Jack was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding the Melchizedek Priesthood and serving as a ward clerk.

We would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Gloria, his selfless care giver, sparring partner, and much respected and loved daughter/sister.

Dad was deeply loved; a man of integrity, honesty, and hard working, who passed on deeply ingrained values to his family. We will miss him.

Jack is survived by his children, Linda Huff, Gail Snyder, Denise Jones, Gloria Williams, Terry Walker (Hope), Judy Stamper (Dave), James Walker, Tim Walker (Jody), along with 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Stephanie, 3 grandsons, and 1 great grandson.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Fairview Ward, 12448 North 5th East, Idaho Falls, Idaho. The family will visit with friends on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church.