Richard Perry James

Richard Perry James passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Dick, as he was known to friends and family, was born on June 28, 1933, in Nampa, Idaho, to Perry and Ruby James. He met Maxine Matheson in New Westminster, British Columbia, in 1956, and they were married in 1960. For 57 years, their marriage served as a model of love and commitment to their three daughters, and that legacy continues to echo through multiple generations. Their home was always open to those who needed encouragement, and they had several “honorary” family members.
Dick served his country as an Army aircraft mechanic during the Korean War. Later, he worked for General Electric Supply and then Bolen’s Control House, developing an encyclopedic knowledge of electrical components.
He had a deep appreciation for God’s creation; hiking and hunting in his younger days, working for hours in his garden, and taking up birdwatching later in life.
Dick loved Jesus deeply, attended church faithfully, and served for decades as greeter at the front door of Foothills Christian Church. For hundreds of people, his smiling face and handshake/hug was there when they needed it most. He also loved singing and listening to old gospel hymns.
Dick was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Maxine James, his daughters, Barbara (James) Hawes and Ruth James, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; as well as, two sisters and several nephews and nieces. He is proceeded in death by his oldest daughter, Elizabeth (James) Duffel. His legacy of love and faith will live on, even as he lives on with Jesus, his beloved Savior.
Memorial services will take place at Foothills Christian Church, 9655 W. State Street, Garden City, ID, 83714, on Saturday, April 8th, at 2:00 pm, under the direction of Cloverdale Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Christian Retirement Village or Boise Bible College.