Jessey Roker

Jessey Raymond Roker, 75, of Rigby, Idaho, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016, in Boise, Idaho, due to cancer. Jessey was born December 26, 1940, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Raymond Roker and Florence Fredericksen Roker. Jess spent his early life in Lamont, Idaho, then the family moved to Iona, and then settled on a farm in Rigby. After attending schools in Rigby, Jess enlisted and served in the United States Army from April 1959 to March 1965, and was honorably discharged. He graduated with honors from Weltech College in Salt Lake City with an Electronic Engineering Tech degree and also attended various other trade schools. He met Diane Freeman from Rexburg, Idaho, whom he married in November 30, 1962. They settled on a farm in Rigby, Idaho, where they raised their family. They later divorced. Jess was a farmer at heart and eventually expanded by buying an additional ranch in Squirrel, Idaho. Pursuing his life-long dream did not come easy. He farmed and ranched simultaneously in Jefferson, Fremont, and Teton counties while working various other full-time jobs. He was a member of the DAV and American Legion. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow up, collecting antiques big or small, old steam engines, and historical memories reminding him of the good old days. He could identify any old piece of car or iron and know its purpose. He spent his last remaining years avoiding the cold Idaho winters by spending them at his home in Phoenix with his dogs and cats, and sitting by the swimming pool barbecuing with friends and family. His summers were spent in Rigby and Squirrel, Idaho. Jess will be missed and forever remembered by the family that he raised. He is survived by his children, Lori (Craig) Bates, William Roker, Andrea Lee (Jared Tanner), Carl (Krista) Roker of Rigby, Matthew Roker of Caldwell, and Tina Moren of Boise; sixteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his extended family, Taleeya Parker, Jennifer Czichotzki, and Mistie Mckenzie, whom also called him dad. Surviving younger brothers and sisters are, Jim Roker, Roberta Nieto, Cloe Elaine Gonzalez, Susan Stibal and Keith Roker. He is preceded in death by two grandchildren, his parents, and two sisters. Dad, we love you, and will always remember you for the best that you were. Private family services were held on Monday.

Private Family Services were held. He passed away