James Raymond Rundle

James Raymond Rundle, Sr., 86, of Firth - our beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on September 22, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

James “Jim” was born March 21, 1932 to Richard James Rundle and Teresa Gamble. He was the third born son of eleven children: Richard, Jr (deceased), Walt (deceased), Bill, Douglas (deceased), Betty, Patrick (died in infancy), Rex, Berniece, Clarence (deceased) and Carl.

Jim grew up in California, Utah and Idaho. As a child, his family followed the seasonal fruit crops and agriculture; any jobs they could find to support their growing family until he was 16. At that time, the family moved to SLC, UT where Jim deliverd telegrams on a bicycle working for Western Union. He also worked for a silversmith that fueled his love of jewelry making that he has enjoyed all this life. Jim was working for the company that developed “Sakrete” when he and Kathleen Rausch were married on December 10,1951 in Arco, ID.

Jim served in the US Army at For Ord, CA and was later medically discharged in December 1952. Their first child, Kathy Colleen, was born in Torrance, CA in 1953. After moving to SLC, UT, they welcomed James Jr. in 1955, later Julia LuAnn in 1957, Bret Norvin in 1958 and Alan Mark in 1959. Following a move to Las Vegas, NV and then to Stanton, CA, David Eugene was born in 1965 in Anaheim, CA. Their sweet family was complete. Their marriage was solemnized on February 5,1966 in the Los Angeles California Temple. After living in Riverside, CA for several years, they moved to Firth, ID in 1971.

Jim worked as a mechanic; both diesel and gas working for construction companies and even having a shop of his own with his son, Bret for a time. In 1978, Jim took a job with a coal mine in Kemmerer, WY and then in 1979 he was searched out by a head hunter to become the Surface Superintendent for Carbon County Coal Corporation in Hanna, WY. Following an injury in 1988, they decided to return to their home in Firth in 1989. Later as his health allowed, he enjoyed work as a long haul truck driver traveling the country.

Jim deeply loved his wife and family. He cherished every visit and everyone left with treats in their tummy and candy in their pockets. Jim loved spending time in his yard, garden and rock shop. He spent many hours growing fruits and vegetables and manicuring his yard. When he wasn’t in his yard, he could be found in the rock shop designing and handcrafting jewelry and knives. He also enjoyed fishing around the area with various favorite buddies.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Julia, and five brothers.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Kathleen, daughter Kathy (Art) Weiser of Blackfoot, son James Jr (Deb) of Boise, son Bret (Mila) of Henderson, NV, son Alan of Ivins, UT and David of Umatilla, OR, 27 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

The family would like to thank the numerous doctors who have cared for Jim and to Avalon Home Health and Hospice for their tender care.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 28, 2018 at the Kimball Ward Chapel, 744 North 600 East. The family will meet with friends Thursday evening from 6:00 pm till 7:30 pm at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street, in Shelley and Friday morning from 10:00 am till 10:40 am at the church. Burial will be in the Firth Cemetery.