John Philip Storck Jr.

John Storck, age 80, of Kuna, Idaho, passed away on December 30, 2017 after a long battle with cancer. He was born on July 28, 1937, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Mary Margaret Tate and John Storck Sr. John grew up in his beloved Green Hills, Ohio, playing sports, exploring the forest, and proudly serving in the Episcopal church. At age fifteen he left his home to attend Sewanee Military Academy in Tennessee. This educational experience instilled in him a life-long sense of service, discipline, and loyalty. John married Suzanne Wilson in 1957 and began his family while attending college. He earned a Bachelor’s of Education at SUNY-Oneonta and served as a classroom teacher in Gloversville, New York. He fondly recalled this part of his life in up-state New York enjoying the outdoors and playing with his three small children. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin and after receiving a prestigious national graduate fellowship. John earned a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology and served as a psychology professor at the UW-Madison. At this point in his life he began to journey west. He loved the big, open sky, friendly people, and the easy-going life-style. John’s career then shifted to clinical practice and administration. He served as the director of several mental health clinics which ultimately lead him to Ontario, Oregon, where he intended to stay for "only a year". While directing the Malheur Mental Health Clinic, Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) approached him to teach a class in psychology. Rediscovering his love of teaching, John slowly transitioned to become a full-time psychology instructor. He managed both positions for six years before leaving the clinical setting and focusing solely on teaching and coaching track and field at TVCC. His “only a year" prediction of living in Ontario developed into 25 years. When not in the classroom, John greatly enjoyed coaching and had several athletes qualify for the National Junior College Athletic Association Track and Field Championships. John took great pride and joy in having his two daughters run for his track and field team. During his tenure he served as president of the faculty and was honored three times with Instructor of the Year in 1975, 1981 and 1996. John married Tammy Hoden in 1995. They enjoyed spending their time together, whether it was in the kitchen, garden, or out for a Sunday drive. He retired from TVCC in 1996 and moved to Surprise, Arizona where he greatly enjoyed spending his days swimming, hiking and golfing. He honed his golf game to the point of shooting several holes in one. In 2004, he left the desert and moved to Port Ludlow, Washington, to enjoy fishing in the Pacific Northwest. John moved back to his “roots” of the Treasure Valley in 2012 where he took great pleasure in camping, fishing, gardening, and attending BSU football games with his wife.
John leaves behind his sister Mary Margaret Johnston; wife Tammy Storck; ex-wife Suzanne Trackman and their three children John (Kay) Storck, Susan DiMaggio, and Mary (Rick) Goodwin; grandchildren Lindsey (Nicolaus) Robinson, Laura (Aaron) Lockwood, Vincent DiMaggio, and Matthew Goodwin; and great-grandson Noah John Robinson. His family would like to express sincere gratitude to the ICU nurses at St. Luke's Meridian for their outstanding care and compassion. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Any tributes or condolences can be sent to www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com.