James Lee Mowrey

James Lee "Jim" Mowrey, 74, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2014 at his home, surrounded by family, following an extended illness

Jim was born on April 29, 1940 in Pocatello Idaho to Kessie and Cora Mowrey. He was the second of five boys. He attended schools in Pocatello and continued his education with certification classes at ISU. Jim held several jobs in his early years and was well known for his hard work and ability to fix anything.

Jim married Darlene Henderson in 1958 and together they had five children, Vickie, Shauna, Shelley, Melissa and James Jr. Jim and Darlene lived and raised their family in Pocatello. Jim worked for McMinn Farms, Bangs Office Products, Partner Steel and Union Pacific Railroad. It was throughout his career that Jim forged many great friendships and bonds with those he came in contact with. During his career at UPRR (31 years) , Jim worked as a Carman and with his ability to fix anything, was able to keep many a train safe on the tracks. Jim took great pride in his work and was proud to work for the railroad. He was a "fix it" guy who could repair anything and enjoyed working on projects with others.

Jim was a family man who dedicated his life to his wife and family. His hobby was his family and he would do anything for any of them at any given time. He served as the "Grandpa taxi" shuttling grandkids here or there and would jump into action at a minutes notice. He coached Little League Baseball and Football for many years, helping to teach the sport to many of the youth of Pocatello. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping with his family and making friends along the way. Jim was a devoted Pittsburgh Steeler fan and rarely missed watching a game. It was a well known fact that if the Steelers lost, it was because of poor officiating and no other reason. Jim had a green thumb and loved to work in his yard and on his pond. He and Darlene were repeat winners of the Golden Arrow awards in recognition of their beautiful yard.

Jim was a member of Gate City Christian Church and had a very strong faith and love for the Lord.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Darlene; children Vickie (Terry) Warner, Pocatello, Shauna (Ron) Dykman, Pocatello, Shelley (Mike) Vaughan, Downey, Melissa (Robert) Raschke, Pocatello, and James Jr (Annie) Mowrey, Pocatello; brothers Chet (Ann) Mowrey, Pocatello, Roger (Sharon) Mowrey, Riverside California, brothers in law, Darrell (Servia) Henderson, Pocatello, Gerald Henderson, Pocatello, Craig (Kim) Henderson, Rocky Face, Georgia, sisters in law, Cheryl (Keith) Farnsworth, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Beverly (Ignacio) Farfan, Twin Falls, and Tammy (Matt) Theiler, Idaho Falls; 9 Grandchildren, Trisha, Jamie, Weston, Amber, Michael, Kasie, Hannah, Mia, Taya; and 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and wife's parents, two brothers Harold Mowrey and Larry Mowrey, brother in law Boyd Henderson, grandsons Cameron Dykman and Connor Dykman, and niece Tracy Engdahl and his beloved dog Griz.

Darlene and the family would like to thank the staff at Portneuf Cancer Center for the care they provided to Jim over the past three years and to Travis, Cara, Miranda and the rest of the Encompass Home Health and Hospice team. Also a very special thank you to the amazing neighbors on Natalie St. and to the friends and family for the love and support provided to Jim along the way.

A viewing will be held Monday, December 8, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Rd. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Gate City Christian Church, 202 W. Siphon Rd., with a viewing one hour prior to service. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Condolences can be made to the family online at www.wilksfuneralhome.com