Wilson "JR" F. Churchman

     Wilson "JR" F. Churchman was born November 19, 1927 and passed away on July 3, 2018 at home of natural causes. 

     JR grew up in Jerome, Idaho where he worked in the family automobile business and drove school bus during high school prior to joining the Navy near the end of World War II.  After his time in the Navy, he attended the University of Idaho where he studied engineering and business and volunteered at the University radio station, KUOI.  It is also where he met his future wife, Valerie Robison.  JR and Val married in 1950 and raised six children together.  JR worked hard to support his big family and when he had time off he enjoyed time with his children playing games, swimming, teaching them to ride bikes, working in the yard, and more. He was engaged in his children's lives until the day he died.  Val passed away in 1986.  In 1988 JR married Virginia Parks.  They were together for 30 years.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and always made family a priority.

     JR was a respected businessman.  After college, he returned to Jerome and worked in the family business (Churchman Motors) as the Service Manager.  In 1960 he moved to Shoshone to make or break the Idaho Grange Wholesale, later to become Idaho Grange Co-op.  The board told him if he couldn’t make money to close the doors.  He made money, and successfully managed and grew the Co-op over the next 33 years until he retired in 1991.  JR strongly believed in the importance of volunteering and supporting the community.  During his lifetime he volunteered for 4-H, Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, and Rotary Club (he was a Paul Harris Fellow).  He helped build the gazebo in the Shoshone Park and the 4-H Camp near Sun Valley and took part in many community events throughout his life.  He was on the Shoshone City Council and was Mayor of Shoshone for several years.  After retiring, he began a life of travel, golf, cards, and Golden Years Senior Center involvement.  When he could not participate in many other activities he continued to play cards at least 5 days a week.  Up to his passing at age 90, he was a formidable card player.  He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church.

     Survivors include his wife Virginia of Shoshone, two sons - Dave (Lisa) Churchman of Pleasant Hill, OR, and Dan Churchman of Twin Falls, ID; three daughters – Terri (Bob) Schmidt of Moscow, ID, Stacie (Bob) Briggs of Waldport, OR and Leslie (Tim) Knowles of Selah, WA, stepdaughters Tina (Ray) Standlee of Jerome and Beth (Larrin) Sant of Shoshone, One sister, Joan O'Niel of Boise, Idaho.  13 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by daughter Cathy, wife Valerie, grandson Robbie Briggs, and brother Ed.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Shoshone.  Burial will follow in the Shoshone Cemetery, Shoshone, Idaho.

     Memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Years Senior Center, Shoshone, Idaho or to St. Jude’s Hospital. 

     Arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Shoshone, Chapel. 

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