James Lawrence "Jim" Monroe

James ("Jim") Lawrence Monroe 1927 ~ 2011 James ("Jim") Lawrence Monroe, 83, died May 10, 2011 at his home in Boise, ID. Jim is survived by his children, James Ernest (Mary Gochnour) of Boise; Linda Marie of Kennewick, Washington; Sheila Ann (Diana Chenoweth) of Hood River, Oregon; and Douglas Andrew of Springfield, Oregon. He is also survived by his grandson, James Theodore ("Ted") of Boise; and his sister, Marlene Yragui of Tempe, Arizona. Jim was born Nov. 3, 1927 in Buhl, Idaho to Edith (Glick) and James Harland Monroe. The family farmed in Castleford, Buhl and Twin Falls, Idaho, and Jim graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1945. After two years in the U.S. Army, 221st Airborne Unit, as a medic and paratrooper in Hokkaido, Japan, Jim graduated from the University of Idaho in 1952, where he supported himself by using his poker skills. Jim worked as a mining geologist before marrying Phyllis Minerva Jacobsen in 1953. After marrying, Jim taught high school English, art and math for many years in Buhl and Kimberly, Idaho and in Republic, Washington. After Phyllis' death in 1976, Jim married Betty Rose. They divorced in 1990, but remained close. Jim was known for being fair, a loyal friend, and always giving the underdog a second chance. Jim's high school English students have said he was their best and most influential teacher. He was an accomplished artist, talented mechanic, and possessed a dry sense of humor that kept his friends and family on their toes. He was extremely proud of his children and grandson, he told fabulous stories, and he regularly delighted in winning Pinochle games with his grandson Ted as his partner. Arrangements are with Summers Funeral Home, Boise. No public service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Rural Education Program, at P.O. Box 9365, Boise, ID 83707. Condolences may be sent in care of Ernie Monroe, 805 E. Hearthstone Dr., Boise, ID 83702.