James "Jim" Frank Key

James Frank "Jim” Key, 80, of Idaho Falls, passed away February 7, 2025, at his home. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Jim was born September 2, 1944, in Sweetwater, Texas, to Frank Leslie Key and Mattie Elizabeth Eanes Key. He grew up and attended schools in Midland, Texas, through high school. He then attended University of Texas in Austin and received his PhD in 1973. He taught in the Metallurgy Department at the University of Utah from 1973-76. He and Diane met there while climbing with the Wasatch Mountain club.

On December 3, 1977, he married Diane Elizabeth Hercher in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They made their home there where he worked as a material sciences manager at the Idaho National Lab.

He was an avid outdoorsman-enjoying mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, downhill and cross-country skiing, and bicycling. He and Diane made climbing and backpacking trips to Alaska and the Tetons and Wind Rivers in Wyoming. Jim also almost summited Mt. McKinley twice, but was rebuffed by weather. He successfully climbed several Mexican volcanos. Jim was very active in the American Welding Society and the Federation of Materials Society-having served as president of both organizations. He and Diane were very fortunate to have traveled to many different countries in his role as AWS president. He remained active in AWS his entire life.

He spent many years building a log home near Tetonia, Idaho-cutting down trees to be used and hand crafting the structure. It was a labor of love for him, but a great deal of work.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane Key of Idaho Falls, ID, and his last remaining dachshund, Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be a private ceremony at a later date.

Donations to Hospice of Eastern Idaho are suggested for anyone who wishes to honor his memory.