Jack DeChambeau

Jack R. DeChambeau, 87, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020, in Boise, Idaho.

Jack was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, where his father and uncles raised cattle and ran a bank in Eagle. He spent his youth helping keep cattle in the foothills in the good weather and, in the winter, driving them through Eagle to a feedlot where Bardenay Restraunt is currently.

He graduated from Boise High School then joined the Army. He was stationed in England and liked to say they tried to make him a cook, quickly realized their mistake, and made him a clerk instead. He came back home to attend college at the U of I, where he played center on the football team. He was one of the firsts to wear a face mask on the helmet, however it didn't stop him from breaking his nose.

His best college achievement was meeting, falling in love with, and marrying, Josie. They remained married the remainder of their lives and had twins, Bart and Tonya, followed closely by Ann, and close to twenty years later, John.

For many years Jack, Josie, and their young family lived, and raised cattle, in the Dry Creek area where Hidden Springs is now located. After selling the land to the Hidden Springs developers, they now have a street named after them in the development. After leaving Dry Creek, Jack continued to raise cattle by the Boise River until his retirement. During various times of his life he participated in the Idaho Cattleman's association, where he served a term as president, Boise River Cattle Association, Drainage District, and Snake River Stampede committees. He also served as a volunteer Eagle fireman. He enjoyed going to BSU games and Cattlemen dances with friends he cherished.

In later years, he enjoyed eleven grandchildren, most of whom he called by nick names. He enjoyed many outdoor activities with friends and family, to include, water skiing and many fishing trips to the ocean, local lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. He took many trips to National Parks and local mountains. He took advantage of all the wonderful outdoor activity that Idaho offers.

In his last years he was blessed with seven great grandchildren. He never missed watching a BSU football game with his grandson, Josiah, and looked forward to card games with his longtime friends. Jack never lost his sense of humor. Toward the end, through hospitalizations and nursing homes, when the nurses would ask him questions to check if his mind was tracking with current events and his situation, he would purposely and convincingly lie, just because he thought it was hilarious and worry us all. He was loved and will be thoroughly missed.

At his request, and due to the current pandemic, no service will be held.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Josie, parents, John W. and Mae, and sister, Colleen.

Jack is survived by four children, their spouses, eleven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.