Jay Clyde Ricks Jr. was born to Jay and Beverly Ricks on May 21, 1948. He grew up on the family farm on the border between Madison and Teton County, where he became the proud big brother of Sheila, Jana, Boyd, and Eileen. The family spent the winters in Rexburg where Clyde graduated from Madison High School in 1966.

Following in the footsteps of his WWII heroes, Clyde enlisted in the Marines in 1968. He was injured in a landmine explosion in Vietnam in 1969, where he lost the hearing in his right ear. He went home with a Purple Heart and continued his education at Ricks College.

While at Ricks College, he was set up on a blind date with Marilyn Cutler. He fell in love with her on the first date, and they continued dating even when Clyde graduated and moved to Provo, Utah, to continue his education at BYU. Clyde and Marilyn married in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 21, 1971.

After a couple of years, Clyde and Marilyn moved the family to a farm in Felt, Idaho, to help Clyde's father run the farm. It was there Clyde and Marilyn proudly raised their five children: Deron, Alecia, Travis, Danny and Maria. Clyde was also proud to work with some of his nephews on the farm. One nephew in particular, Duane Cutler, became like a son to Clyde and Marilyn and a brother to the Ricks children.

After battling cancer for years, Marilyn Cutler Ricks passed away February 2003. The loss of his companion of 31 years was devastating to Clyde. A light of love came back into his life when Clyde began dating JoDeane Bagley Strong. Clyde and JoDeane married December 30, 2003. JoDeane has been a blessing to his and his children's lives for their 14 years of marriage. Clyde was a proud stepfather of his 12 bonus children.

Clyde strongly believed in helping others. He worked with several veteran associations, started a homeless shelter and raised money to build the Vietnam Memorial in Idaho Falls. He attended as many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings as he could and proudly carried his coin of more than 30 years sobriety. He served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - his favorites being home teacher and ward greeter. Clyde had a remarkable memory and thoughtfully remembered friends' birthdays and anniversaries.

After a long battle with PTSD, anxiety and depression, Clyde took his life on Jan. 27, 2018. We miss him and know he is with God and family.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Tetonia LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment with military rites will be in the Cache-Clawson Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Post Register from Jan. 30 to Jan. 31, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Clyde Ricks

Sponsored by Flamm Funeral Home - Rexburg.

9 Entries

Suzanne peless

February 11, 2018

I sent a comment earlier, but I am not sure it was recd. His death hit me very hard as i saw him at least once per week.
He was one of the kindest, most genuine persons I have ever met. He was my favorite customer. It bothered him that I am not a person of any faith..But I know that he was s person of faith.. I will miss him for the rest of my life

Zane Calderwood

February 2, 2018

Clyde was a man who was easy to love. He took a sincere interest in people he came into contact with. He could remember Betsy and my birthdays, graduation year from high school and our wedding anniversary. I was fortunate enough to be the seminary teacher to his exceptional children. He has entered into God's rest. Betsy and I send our love to the family.

Merrill and Mary Weight

February 1, 2018

Dear Boyd and Carol,
Mary and I are so sorry to hear about Boyd's brother's passing. Especially in so short a time since the loss of Boyd's father. We can't imagine the depth of your sorrow right now. May you find a source of solace to help at this time.
Merrill & Mary Weight

Jason Moulton

January 31, 2018

On the behalf of the entire Moulton Family please accept our condolences. We are so glad that Sheila married into our family and for our privilege to get to know Clyde and all of the Ricks family. There are some wonderful reunions going on in Heaven today.

Skip Hornbake

January 31, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Clyde was an amazing and wonderful friend who would call me (Skip) every year on my birthday. We miss his humor and his uncanny memory. RIP Clyde. Skip and Teresa Hornbake.

Dee and Chris O'Brien

January 30, 2018

Our hearts are heavy as we think of our dear friend Clyde.
We are going to miss him so much.
We love you all so much. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dee and Chris and family

Boyd Ricks

January 30, 2018

Clyde was a kind and conscientious older brother who looked out for my welfare, and taught me so much about life. My thoughts and prayers go to his wonderful wife and children in this difficult time.

Gordon Hansen

January 30, 2018

Clyde not only met us at the door each week as the Ward Greeter, he also sent those of us in High Priests home at the end of the class with "have a good week everybody." I loved him for that.
Dick Hansen

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