James John Melicharek

James John Melicharek, 70, passed away at his home June 29, 2019 following an extended illness.

James was born in the Bronx, in New York. He moved west when he was a young man. He lived in Santa Barbara, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. In the 1980's, he moved to Pennsylvania to work. In 2016, he returned to Pocatello.

James enjoyed wood working, traveling across the country in an RV, his cats, politics, and telling stories of the many construction jobs he had completed.

James is survived by his children, Matt Melicharek, Idaho; John Rubert, Utah; Lynnann Payne, Florida; Sally Zdanowicz, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and his significant other, Carol Hegstrom.

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mollie Melicharek; sisters, Catherine Clark, and Josie Chaplinski; and a grandson, Gary Payne.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. That information will be updated here as it becomes available.

Memories and condolences may be shared with his family under the "Tribute Wall" tab above. His family wishes to extend their gratitude to Portneuf Medical Center, Encompass Home Health, and Wilks Funeral Home for the compassion granted our father and grandfather.