James Joseph Lynch

Apr. 8, 1923 - Jun. 30, 2014

Date of Service: Jul. 7, 2014

James J. Lynch

BURLEY - James Joseph Lynch (Jim Sr.), age 91, of Burley, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on Sunday, April 8, 1923, at the old Fremstead Hospital in Burley, Idaho. He was the second child of Joseph (Joe) and Josie Robb Lynch. He had a happy childhood filled with many memories of playing with his older brother Bob.

While attending high school, he went to work at J C Penney where he worked from 1935 to 1941 and acquired his taste for clothing and shoes. After graduating from Burley High School, Class of 1941, he went to work for his father (J.C. Lynch & Son) driving the fuel truck delivering gasoline and fuel oil.

Jim entered the service in 1943 to serve in World War II, with his initial training at NTS, Farragut, Idaho. He then furthered his training in San Diego before moving out to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands of the Pacific. He became a Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class and worked in the Navy Hospital within the x-ray department on the island for two years, serving until February 1946, when he received his Honorable Discharge notice.

Upon returning home from the service, he rejoined his father in the wholesale gas and furnace oil business. He was an enterprising young man and was always looking for ways to improve their products and offer good customer service. From these beginnings have come many other businesses that Jim has been affiliated within the area. In the late 40s or early 50s, he and his brother, Bob Lynch, started the Ford Tractor dealership in Cassia and Minidoka Counties and both were original investors of the Ponderosa Inn. Jim was also involved with the Tasty Freeze, Culligan Soft Water, a Feed and Seed Store, KBAR/KDZX Radio Station, and many other business endeavors.

In 1959, Jim Sr. bought out his father and formed a retail company called Triple S Oil Co. He founded six retail gas stations and convenience stores under the name Mr. Gas, three car washes operating under the name of Mr. Wash, and an ice manufacturing company operating as Magic Ice.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob. He married Virgina Staker in June 1946 and she passed away in 1972. Jim and Virgina had three sons, Jim (Karen) Lynch Jr., Steve (Marcia) Lynch, and Gary (Pam) Lynch. Grandchildren are Scott Lynch, Nick Lynch, Kristin Reese, Chelsea Lynch, Jennifer Latta, and Nathan Lynch. Jim Lynch Sr. later married Naomi Holmes in 1983 and acquired two stepsons, Rick (Melanie) Holmes and Curtis Holmes, as well as two stepdaughters, Sheryl (Chris) Dowling and Sandi Viau. He has a total of 18 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

This special man has always had a soft spot for the disadvantaged around the area. He has helped numerous people, organizations, families, schools, etc., through his givings both publically and anonymously. Many of the less fortunate school children in both Minidoka and Cassia County have benefitted from his generosity in terms of food and clothing. Doing this brought great pleasure to Jim Lynch.

He has always been proud of his community and has always felt that people need to contribute or “give back” to our community. He has contributed both money and service to numerous clubs, organizations, schools, libraries, and churches. It would be hard to pass him on the street when he didn’t have a smile or didn’t take the time to speak with you. He was always known for his good manners and sincere friendliness.

For more than 50 years, this gentleman was a member of the Elks Club, Burley Masonic Lodge, Burley/Rupert Shrine Club, American Legion, the Burley First Presbyterian Church, and an associate guardian of Job’s Daughters. He was also a past member of the Burley Lions Club as well as having served on the Burley City Council. In 1992, Jim was honored by receiving the Mini-Cassia Businessman of the Year Award. Most recently, he was serving on the D.L. Evans Board of Directors.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed photography and loved flying in his airplane.

The family wishes to personally thank Mrs. Dee Gerhart for all the love, compassion, and special bond she shared while caring for Dad in his home. Also, a special thanks to Irene Soto and Pam Denton for their help with Dad. In addition, we wish to thank Dad’s special friend and physician, Dr. James Spackman, for the wonderful care he provided all these years.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 7, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2100 Burton Ave., in Burley, with the Rev. Josyph Andrews officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests individuals may consider a donation to the Cassia Co. Education Foundation or Idaho Youth Ranch.