James Martin Shepard

James Martin Shepard 1972 - 2011 James Martin Shepard left us on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at peace and at home, surrounded by his family and friends. He passed too early, a few days short of his 39th birthday, and we all miss him terribly. Born August 17, 1972 in San Francisco to John Shepard and Elinor Sturm, -Martin- as he was known to his friends, moved to Boise to attend Boise State where he received his BA in science in 2003, and his Masters in 2007. With his older brother John, Martin started a successful local printing business, and later a publishing house, Borderline Publishing, that printed and distributed local writers. Martin was an avid reader all his life, and co-authored the book Boise Anthem. Martin served in the Idaho National Guard, and during the height of the Iraqi War worked as a logistics manager in Bagdad for Halliburton. Travel, the company of his many friends, and working around his house and yard in his limited spare time were some of his favorite things. Martin is survived by his partner and long-time best friend Michelle Bengochea of Nampa, his father and mother, John and Shelley Shepard of Boise, his biological mother Elinor Sturm of Oakland, California, and siblings John Sitges Shepard and Lisa Shepard, also of Nampa. A military Honor Guard Ceremony will be held Saturday, August 27th, at 11:00 AM at Cloverdale Cemetery, followed by a joyful remembrance and memorial at the home of Scott and Karen Bengochea of Boise. We hope to see many of Martin's friends there. Please RSVP (714) 457-7567.