Kurt Cates

JACK SCHOFIELD Tribute to Jack Schofield by his loving wife of 46 years, Jan Carol Dierks Schofield IDAHO FALLS, ID -- My sweet man was born August 31, 1938, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to John William Schofield and Ruth Person Hansen Schofield. His two pound birth weight held the record for many years as the smallest survivor at the LDS hospital. He was told he went home in a shoe box. John and Ruth already had twins girls, his sisters Jean and Jeana were four years of age at the time Jack was born. His mother, Ruth, had six other children, Ilene, Vernal, Marie, Wanda, Leland, and Margorie Hanson from her first marriage to Charles Hanson, who was killed in Toole, Utah, leaving Ruth a widow. With help from Marie and Margorie at the family ranch, little Jack was fed with an eye dropper and kept warm with water bottles in his crib when he got home from his three month stay at the hospital. They lived on the Schofield Ranch until Jack was around four or five at which time they moved uptown to Menan. His mother Ruth had a stroke and was partially paralyzed. In 1946, she died when he was eleven years old. Jack lived a Huckleberry Finn life with a good friend Neil Cambell. "Chickareean" as Neil called him. Cooking a kidnapped chicken over a fire as it was told to me, cuz they were hungry. It was the summers he spent with Donna and Cliff Garriott, of Idaho Falls, working on their farm that taught Jack his great work ethic. Jack and his Dad moved to Idaho Falls when he was 13 years old into the home of his Aunt Eva. Little did he know his good friend Neil had moved the same year to Idaho Falls also. Jack went to school at O. E. Bell and two years of high school before joining the National Guard, then he joined the Army with his buddy, Neil. They both went to basic training at Fort Ord, California. Jack was sent to Korea on the 38th parallel and Neil was sent to Germany. After his honorable discharge from the army in 1962, his good friend, Neil Cambell, got him a job with School District 91, Jack began as laundry attendant washing towels. Over the years, Jack’s love of learning and improving allowed him take on more and more responsibility until he ultimately was promoted to Maintenance, Operations and Transportation Supervisor for the whole of District 91. During his 35 year tenure in his role, he achieved recognition for several cutting edge improvements such as being a leader in providing playground space and safety, energy conversation improvements, and handicap access. During his tenure he oversaw the design and building of three elementary schools and two Jr. High Schools. Later, he took much pride when he was able to help in the design of Taylorview Jr. High, where a plaque still hangs in the halls as a tribute to his hard work. His dedication to hard work was evidenced by his never taking a sick day in all his 35 years of service. It is thanks to his good friend Neil, who introduced Jack and me one summer day when Jack was on leave. I was in nurses training at the time, writing him everyday and hoping he would soon be done with his service in the Army. In 1962, we married in the Presbyterian Church, rented an apartment then bought a home shortly after. Our sweet little daughter, Kim was born Feb. 8th, 1963. Two years later "big John" was born Feb. 10 1965. Jack and I seldom used a baby sitter. Kim and John were such a joy to always take with us camping, boating, fishing, and visiting friends and family. He wouldn't have it any other way. We planned our work hours so one of us was always home, no daycare or home alone or using Grandmas n Grandpas....that was Jack's way. Kim and John have always been his pride and joy. Both are married now and ablessing us with beautiful, healthy Grandchildren. John's Alexandria (Alex) Schofield, and Kim's Brandie, Ashley, John, and Cody and beautiful step Grandchildren, Blair and Hunter. Brandie has blessed us with two Great Granddaughters . . . Taylin and Cassious Rose and one on the way named Furyanne. We had acquired some property along the beautiful Sheep Creek canyon. After camping on it for three years, we finally bought a huge stack of logs and began building. Jack did everything from hand digging the holes for the pole fence and making jack fencing over the pond and creek. Jack retired from the School District in 1997, giving him more time to focus on what we called the "Shabin,” a term he invented when the tax lady came around. He said he was building a shed, she said, “it's looking more like a cabin.” The mountains "Windy Peek" and "Sheep Mountain" became his church...he said he could look up at them and just feel and talk to his Maker. “The best church in the world built by the best builder one could hire”was how he put it. Jack's interest in genealogy kept his sisters hopping. He made great discoveries and looked forward to finding his ancestors. His web site brought him great pride and satisfaction: http://www.geocities.com/inankniyo/Joseph.html. Jack looked forward the last few years in seeing his old buddies for coffee every Tuesday and Thursday to gossip and rib each other. The numbers grow from day to day 4 to 8 . . . and counting. He passed suddenly, Wednesday, December 17th, doing what he enjoyed doing, helping others. Long ago he became the caregiver...the guardian...the thoughtful man who took care of everyone. He helped build my Mom and Dad's cabin, giving up his vacations and weekends; he watched after his Aunt Comfort when she was ailing as she did for him when he was little. He was the fix-it man for so many of the family including my own Mom who is now 90 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brothers . . . Vernal and Leland Hanson, Ilean Jenkins, Marie Hurst, Wanda Tomblison. Survivers include: His wife, Jan Schofield Daughter, Kim (Karl) Kolbet Son, John (Lynn) Schofield, Sister: Jean (Bob, deceased) Eames, Sister: Jenna (Dale) Lee Sister: Marjorie Watson Sister: Donna (Cliff) Garriot Brother-in-Law: Gary (Linda) Dierks Brother-in-Law: Dennis (Sandy) Dierks Mother-in-law: Marge Dierks and many beloved nieces and nephews. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sunlight on the ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the morning hush I am the sweet up lifting rush of quiet birds encircled in fight I am the soft stars that shine at night Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there . . . . . I did not die --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: James McBride jmac25@cableone.net Jack was always very friendly and easy to talk to. I never saw him in a bad mood. I'll miss chatting with him and am sorry for your loss. He was too young for this. George Meshrow hamgam@msn.com I am so sorry for your loss. Jack was a great guy and was responsible for my successful career as locksmith for the school district, and for which I have been most thankful. After Jack retired and I was coming close to my retirement, I had the opportunity to thank Jack personally for all the years he had given me to work for the District in a job that I loved. I hadn't seen him for some time and was working on the main entrance doors to Skyline High School, when in he walked through one of the doors. I thanked him immediately as we shook hands. He had that great broad smile on his face, and said that he was glad to have hired me and that I had done a good job. I will always remember that day, and will always be greatful to Jack. Ronda Bartlett tcb_3000@hotmail.com Dear Jan: Chuck and I would like to send our condolences and love to the family. Uncle Jack is my Uncle and he will be missed terribly! We had some great and memorable times that we will always cherish. God be with you! Love Always, Chuck & Ronda Bartlett