James Pool

POCATELLO- On Tuesday, October 8, 2013, James Lee Pool, age 92, peacefully returned home. His wife Josephine of 71 years was at his side. His enthusiasm for life was contagious and he lived life to the fullest! He made friends everywhere he went. Jim was born July 23, 1921 in Alma, Ohio the second of 13 children. Born to Hobart M. Pool and Hazel G. Burdett who were decendants of early American colonial settlers in the 1700's. He was passionate about patriotism and America being Gods chosen land. He was proud to have been the first to graduate from High School in his family from Waverly High in 1938, Waverly ,Ohio. Part of the greatest generation, his class motto was "We can ~ We will " . Jim did just that when he came West to Idaho with the CCC (Civil Conservation Corps) in 1939 with big dreams. He was stationed in Downey, Idaho. He met "the prettiest girl in Downey High" Josephine Aldous only 15 years old at the time. He fell hard for her & he is still crazy about his Jo! He stayed in Downey and worked for a couple years and then went to Portland Oregon to work in the shipyards. Jo and Jim were married July 7, 1942 in Vancouver, Washington. They lived in Portland until 1943 when Jim went into the Army Air Force during World War II. They returned to Downey where he ran the Texaco service station . In 1952 they moved to Pocatello , he landed a job at the Automic Energy Site. That job led to a job in Pine Bluff , Arkansas, then onto Richland , Washington. Where a brand new city was being built for the new nuclear energy site. He went to work as an iron worker which moved the family to St Louis, Missouri and Muskogee Oklahoma and finally back to Pocatello in 1959, "The greatest place to live" where there's no place like home at 262 Filmore street. Jo and Jim were blessed with 4 children; Kirk Lee (Vickie)- Downey Idaho , Rick Q. of Seattle, Washington.( deceased in 1994) , Tina (Walt Gaved) Pocatello Idaho, and Patrick (Lydie) Pocatello Idaho . While living in Pine Bluff Arkansas Jim's spiritual convictions were realized when he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1952 . Jim was sealed to his "dear sweetheart" for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and His testimony was as strong as an Oak tree, and was the first to stand and bear his personal witness. He served diligently as ward mission leader and ward clerk. He also taught gospel doctrine, Sunday school, and he enjoyed helping the full time missionaries. He had an awe and appreciation for the sights and landscape of this country. Traveling and driving thousands of miles across this land with Jo in their motorhome. Jim's bigger than life personality and social nature made everyone smile. Never fearing heights, he climbed 90 feet trees and walked the beams of sky scrapers. He always looked up! He retired from the Iron Wokers Union Local #732 in 1983. He apprenticed many of the young guys coming into the trade. He was proud to say he worked in 12 states. His obsession with buying & selling cars added up to him owning some 50 cars in his lifetime. One of the favorites was a brand new pink and white 1956 Buick Special and the most recognizable around Pocatello was his 1970's psychodelic Chevy van known as the WILD THING.. Thoughtfulness for others , charisma and a great zest for life was the trademark of his character. Grandpa's house was the gathering place under the Big (locust) tree where summer time supplied endless watermelon and we were encouraged to spit the seeds on the lawn. Your legacy, pride and joy live on; 10 grandchildren, Michelle, James, Kim, Cody, Donnell, Whitney, Travis, Layla, Jackson, and Joey, 31 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. We can only imagine your EXCITEMENT in your new adventure, and easily hear your voice as you marvel at Gods creations saying "Isn't that amazing!" Grandpa you were a giant and our hero in all of our lives. We love you more than words can adequately describe! The family gives warm thanks and gratitude to their granddaughter Amy for her loving care who lived with Jo and Jim the past 11 months in their home. Access Home Health and Hospice compassionate support , and kind staff at Copper Summit Assisted Living . He is survived by his Ohio siblings; brothers Estele (Popeye), Harold (Wimpy), and Mike Pool and his two sisters Helen and Ethel and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved going home to "Chillicothe", and lovingly spoke of all the family there. He and Jo enjoyed spending summer months in Ohio living in their motorhome visiting relatives. On Sunday October 13, there will be a viewing from 6pm to 8pm at the Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral services to honor Jim will be held Monday, October 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alameda LDS 1st Ward Chapel on the corner of Jefferson and Walnut Street. Following the service, the family will accompany Jim to Downey Idaho where he will be buried in the Downey Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Downey Veterans Honor Guard. We invite you to share your condolences with the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.