James Manson Kidd

James Manson Kidd Jim Kidd was born in Boise, Idaho on Feb. 18, 1918 to parents, George and Catherine Murray Kidd, Scottish immigrants. He was the third of their four children. Jim died peacefully, in his sleep on Feb. 12, 2008 at the age of 89, just six days short of his 90th birthday. Jim was a resident of Boise his whole life, except for when he served his country during W.W. II, attending Boise schools until he left school to join the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Even then he was close to Boise, building the road at Alexander Flats. He left the Corps in 1936 and returned to Boise where he worked for the Idaho Statesman. During this time our dad met May Whitney (Maysie). This may have been at Murray's Drive Inn where she worked, or at the roller skating rink at Gowen Field. They enjoyed Skate Dancing at the roller rink and received several awards for their dancing. In Jan. 1941 Jim enlisted in the Army. He was stationed in Camp Roberts, Paso Robles, Calif. where he worked as an auto mechanic. Shortly after May followed and they were married on June 30, 1942 in Paso Robles. In the next two years two of their children were born, Karen and then Jim, Jr. After Jimmie's birth Dad was sent to China to work with the Burma Road Engineers, in the motor pool. He had fond memories of that time, excited to see the rest of the world. Jim was discharged in 1945 and returned to Boise, where Mom and the kids had returned shortly before. Jim went to work for Pacific Fruit and Produce and worked there until his retirement at age 62. He continued to work part-time for a few years after retirement for Pacific Fruit, just helping with local deliveries. Our sister Cathie was born in 1950 and that completed the family. Dad loved to hunt and fish and kept the family supplied with game meat and fish. We all have good memories of Dad taking us hunting (very early and cold mornings for ducks and pheasants) and fishing, even though we tended to explore more than fish. Deer hunting was a sport done only with his friends. I think we were too noisy! When Jim, Jr. was attending University in Scotland, Dad and Mom flew over to see the new granddaughter. That was a wonderful trip for Dad because he got to visit with the many relatives on his mother's side of the family. Later, when Jim, Jr. was working in Hong Kong, Mom and Dad visited for a month, also going to the Seychelles, where Jim Jr.'s wife was born. Jim was a long time member of the American Legion, John Regan Post #2. He was active in the color guard and attended many, many funeral services for veterans. His children, Karen Ryker and husband Darrold of Meridian, son Jim Jr. and wife Marie of Seattle, Wash. and daughter Cathie Shelton and husband Bob of Winnemucca, N.Y., survive Jim. Also surviving are grandchildren, Brian McClure and wife Tracy, their children Kamden and Katie, Melanie Fowler and her children Jacob and Katrina, Sarah and Emma Kidd and Shellie Shelton and son Jayden. Also surviving is sister-in-law Lena Kidd and her children Bruce and Christy. Also, nephews George Richard and nieces Elizabeth and Mary Ann, children of brother George survive him. Preceding him in death are his parents, George and Catherine, brothers George and Murray and sister Katherine. May died in 1994. Mom and Dad had been married for 51 years There will be no services but the family plans on meeting in the spring to "have one on Dad at his favorite Pub". He will be greatly missed by those left behind, but he is now with those who have gone on before. We will see you again, Dad.