J.R. Simplot

Knew him in his horse racing days. Shame his home was demolished

After having delivered a bronze sculpture of Mrs Simplot and three performing arts kids to Boise, Mr. Simplot said " come up to my office for your check". We started to talk fishing and Mr. Simplot offered to let my buddy Brian and I fish a section of Silver Creek that he owned. What a GREAT time we had!!

A true early visionary for good who was loyal to his friends and family in Idaho and beyond. The world needs more like J.R. Simplot!

I will never forget Jack accepting an invitation to speak at the Glenns Ferry High School graduation ceremony.
He told it like it is but leads by example with kindness to anyone deserving. We grew potatoes for Jack about 27 years. I always thought that Jack's word was his bond. I will always have good memories of Jack Simplot and the companies he built.

I never knew about J.R. Simplot until this evening. I read a book called Fast Food Nation and J. R. Simplot was in there. What a awsome story of a individuals life. Remarkable.

Jack Simplot's life and mine intersected about 65 years ago, over a serving of potatoes. My Great Uncle, Fred R McCabe, and Jack Simplot were friends back in the 30's and 40's, maybe even before that time, because Fred was sheep ranching and buying and selling real estate in the teens and 20s of the 20th century, and he really got around the state of Idaho. Jack was an up and coming entrepreneur about 30 years younger than Fred.
I became aware of Jack Simplot in the early 1940s when...

I worked for the Caldwell Plant for nearly 20 years and have great memories of the people and the visits from Jack he would come in the back door with his cowboy hat and visit in the lab and of course try some of those fries. He was a good man and generous to others that is lost these days in our country.

Many belated blessings to Esther and family. I knew J.R. as a wonderful horseman/cowboy and animal lover. At McCall, we'd be on his mountain horses riding up these tiny paths along side a huge mountain. Being a Dallas girl, I would ask Jack if it was safe. He'd belly laugh, say "Yes" in his way and proceed to point out all of Idaho's fabulous wildlife that he loved so much. He was such a natural with his animals...a more accomplished and rugged "cowboy" than any in all of Texas!!! Wheather...

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.