John King

On January 27, 2013, John Jay King, 61 of Idaho Falls, passed away at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center after being diagnosed with cancer only ten days before. John was born June 4 1951, in Harrisonburg VA to Rufus B. King, Sr. and Wanda Hoover King. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Manchester University, N. Manchester, IN, his Masters in physics from Ball State University, and completed one year of doctoral work in physics at Notre Dame University. He then went to work for the US Forestry Service in Idaho, and decided to make his home here. He soon got a position CH2M at Idaho National Laboratories where he worked in nuclear physics, meteorology and nuclear clean-up. John explored his environment and particularly enjoyed hiking high, unnamed peaks in Idaho and Montana, especially if they hadn't been previously climbed. He made detailed personal maps of hikes in previously unmapped areas in these two states. Being in the mountains was very special to him, his kind of spirituality. John also enjoyed skiing, bicycling and gardening. John picked up trash on a two mile section along Pancheri, shoveled snow for neighbors and shared vegetables from his garden with neighbors and friends. John couldn't have imagined a better life. John is survived by brother: Rufus (Rebecca) King, Jr. of Friendsville, TN; brother: Daryl (Diana) King of Wheatfield, IN; and sister: Karen (Curtis) Keim of Green Valley, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents. John requested no formal memorial service. Family members look forward to meeting friends of John's at an informal gathering on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls, 325 Elm Street, 4:00 PM. At a later date his cremains will be distributed in one of his favorite hiking spots.

Visitation -- Saturday

4:00 p .m. ,Saturday, February 2, 2013 First Presbyterian Church 325 Elm Street Idaho Falls, ID 83402