Jim Meikle

Robert James “Jim” Meikle, a devoted Christian, loving husband, beloved father, good friend, and wise and respected businessman, was promoted to Heaven on May 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on June 20, 1936, to Vashti Larkin Meikle and Stephen Mack Meikle Sr. As a young lad, he was raised in Driggs, Idaho. He learned many skills on his Uncle Van Price's farm, to include milking cows, driving trucks and other farm vehicles.

Before graduating from Madison High School in 1954, Jim also worked on a farm in Felt, Idaho, for three summers where he not only learned to farm but how to overhaul truck engines, tractors and farm machinery, as well as how to weld, and making different types of hitches for farm implements.

At 16, Jim began working as a teller and bookkeeper for the bank his father had opened in Rexburg. He attended Ricks College for two years while working part-time for the bank, until his father suddenly passed away in 1960. Jim then went to work full-time for the bank. By 1960, the Meikle family had built bank branches in Driggs, Rexburg, and Idaho Falls. Jim joined his brother, Steve, and they continued that work together. They expanded the bank to include 11 branches and a computer center throughout the South-Eastern Idaho Valley, which ultimately became known as Valley Bank of Idaho. In 1992, as Chairman, President and CEO, Jim successfully negotiated a merger with Key Bank, Inc.

He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and in February of 1964, he met the loving and beautiful Marie Valencia at the Elks bowling alley. They were married in August of that year. They made their home in Rexburg, later Idaho Falls, and ultimately retired to Scottsdale, Arizona. Jim and Marie celebrated 59 fulfilling years together before Marie was promoted to Heaven in August of 2023.

Jim was an excellent pilot and enjoyed flying, especially with his family, friends, and miniature schnauzer co-pilot. He was a family man, who enjoyed skiing, boating, and golfing with his wife, Marie, and their children. In the winters, they skied the Grand Tetons and Bald Mountain in Sun Valley. During the summers, boating and water skiing in Island Park or golfing in Sun Valley was their weekend fun.

He also enjoyed golf outings with Marie and their friends. As golf began as a Scottish gentlemen's game, Jim was well-suited to the sport. He was an honorable man who was kind, generous, and a well-respected gentleman on and off the course.

Jim is survived by his daughters, K. Kim Parkinson (husband, Blair), Terri L. Meikle, and Sandra A. Meikle; sons, Stephen A. Meikle (wife, Michelle) and Paul J. Meikle (wife, Sandi); 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vashti Larkin Meikle and Stephen Mack Meikle Sr.; brother, Stephen Mack Meikle Jr.; sister, Marian Helen Adams; and son, Brian J. Meikle.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.