John Justin Rueb Jr.

John Justin Rueb, 54, “Jay” to family and a few close friends, passed away on November 12th, 2023 from an unexpected heart attack at home in Boise, Idaho. Known for his sharp wit, subtle humor, and immeasurable love for family and friends, John touched the lives of people across the world with his music.

John was born in Burlington, Colorado, on November 6th, 1969, to his parents John Rueb Sr and Arlene (Weingardt) Rueb. A “farm kid” as a child, he lived in Burlington and Eaton, Colorado, and Solomon, Kansas, before moving to Boise with his family at the age of four. Just two years later, he met first-grade classmate Jeanine Lewis, the start of a friendship that would blossom into a lifelong love.

John graduated from Bishop Kelley High School in 1988, and moved to La Verne, California, where he studied Sound Engineering at the Grove School of Music and subsequently earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications at the University of La Verne while pursuing his first career as a professional bass player in bands all across LA. After college, he returned to Boise to marry the love of his life, Jeanine, on August 22nd, 1992, and raise two boys, Justin and Jeremy.

Retiring from the rock star world, John turned his love of music and videography into a thriving business at Appletree Productions before moving to his third career working with his father at Southwest Hide, where his love and generosity were known by all he worked with.

Outside his professional life, John was known for his love of music, cars, and travel, with a collection of restored cars and bass guitars spanning decades. He wrote and recorded songs with bandmates across the world, from North America to Europe and the Middle East, and his adventures with Jeanine that reached five continents.

John is survived by his wife Jeanine, his sons Justin and Jeremy, his parents John Sr and Arlene, his sister Alaina (Kelly), his nephew Sam and niece Abigail, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by three dogs (Max, Charlie and Baxter) he loved with all of his heart, and to whom we entrust his care until we meet again.

A short memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 19th at Cloverdale Funeral Home at 2pm, followed by reception and celebration of John’s life.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to help us spread John’s love of music through a donation to the Boise Rock School. A link has been provided below.