James Ezra Armstrong

James Ezra Armstrong, 71, passed away from a sudden illness at his home on February 24, 2015, surrounded by his children.

Jim was born June 8, 1943 in Pocatello, ID.  Jim is the son of Ezra & Winona Armstrong.  Jim grew up in the Robin/Arimo area and attended school at Marsh Valley, where he played football, basketball and track; graduating in 1961.

Jim lived most of his life in Idaho; however, for a time he lived in the state of Washington, working at Boeing during the late 1960’s.  He was part of the construction crew that built the first Boeing 737 and the Lunar Rover that the Apollo Astronauts drove on the surface of the moon.  He worked as a construction worker and carpenter throughout his life, building housing developments and worked for many years at Simplot’s, at both the Heyburn and Aberdeen plants. 

While Jim was employed at Simplot in Aberdeen, he met Marguerite Gordon.  Jim married Marguerite on February 19, 1978 in Elko, NV.   They were married for 37 years.  When she passed in July 2014, his heart and soul passed too.   He missed her more than he ever thought was possible. 

Jim is survived by his children, Debra (Todd) Knealing of Sioux City, IA; Beckee (Bob) Cutler of Evergreen, CO; Jami Armstrong of Twin Falls, ID; and Jim (Melissa) Armstrong of Rupert, ID; His step-children: Denise (Ed) Heil of Twin Falls, ID; Scott (Anita) Gordon, Teri (Todd) Kendall, Mike (Kerstin) Gordon, all of American Falls, ID; and Nacole (Gary) Kendall of Pasco, Washington.  He is also survived by his sister, Sandra (John) Evans of Robin, ID; and Linda Austin of Pueblo, CO; 25 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his wonderful fur-babies Buddy and Boots. 

He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, 1 sister and 1 brother. 

There will be no services per his wishes.  Arrangements are being made for a family get together that will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of gifts, cards or flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Free to Breathe Foundation, a partnership for lung cancer survival at www.freetobreathe.org or a cancer foundation of your choice.