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BORN
1931
DIED
2021
John Williams Obituary
January 5, 1931 - May 12, 2021
Boise, Idaho - John "Jack" Cuthbert Williams was born in San Francisco in 1931 and transitioned to the spiritual realm on May 12, 2021. Jack is survived by his five children, Debra, Robert, Diana, Pamela, and Lisa, as well as three stepchildren, Dan, Whit and Kate and a loving slew of extended family and friends.
In 1953, Jack married his college sweetheart Geri Chindgren (divorced in 1970), started a family and graduated from Oregon State College with a Forestry Degree. He then went on to serve two years in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper. In 1959 he studied photography at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara and the family then moved to Boise where he was a pioneer in local commercial/scenic photography and film. In 1977 he moved to Ketchum, where he opened an art gallery and expanded his profession to include weddings and teaching as well as becoming a local personality. He married Patti Albright in 1984 and gained his three stepchildren.
In the early 1980's he was "partially reborn" as the Wood River Valley Santa during the holidays, but the twinkle in his eyes and jolly magic was a gift from Jack year-round. His election as the Grand Marshall in the Wagon Days Parade in 2018 was an enormous honor as well.
His interests also included performing/musical theater, many year-round outdoor activities, playing games and enjoying the natural beauty of the West, especially Yosemite and Redfish Lake.
Jack loved being present in everyday life! He enjoyed simple pleasures such as meditative breathes, stretching and taking a moment, encouraging others to do so as well; honoring natures light and good company, bringing laughter and wisdom to all. Jack/Bopo will be missed by everyone who knew him.
For more stories visit the "You Know You're Old School Ketchum When" Facebook page.
Jack's celebration of life will take place on July 31st at the Rotary Park in Ketchum from 11AM to 1PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Williams
Sponsored by The Idaho Statesman.
2 Entries
Bryan Lee Shaw
June 24, 2021
My memories of Jack are very special to me as a young Art Director at BB&W Advertising. We used Jack quite often to photograph several of our client´s products and campaigns. He was such a character, fun to work with and always willing to work with the ideas of a young art director. He especially liked to do the outdoorsy shoots, I especially recall an overnight shoot up at Smiths Ferry Lodge for Security Trailers. We got up before daybreak and Jack waded out into the mud and up to his knees in water just to get the right angle and lighting as the fog was lifting on the Payette River. Always with the characteristic chuckle and appeal: "Just one more shot." It was often that one more shot that made the perfect one.
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