James Leroy Exeter

James Leroy Exeter, 89, a longtime Blackfoot resident, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, of congestive heart failure at his home in Jerome.
Jim was born Jan. 2, 1927, in Pocatello, Idaho. He and his two brothers grew up teasing their mother and helping their dad on their farm. All three boys attended a one-room school house at Portneuf Siding, just south of Pocatello. Jim graduated from Pocatello High School and promptly joined the Navy in December 1944. He was stationed at Treasure Island, California, where it was his duty to process discharge papers. After serving in the Navy, Jim returned to Pocatello and enrolled at Idaho State College (now Idaho State University) to become a CPA.
In 1950 Jim married his sweetheart, Ada May Guyer.  They lived in Pocatello for a short time before moving to Blackfoot where he worked for MT Deaton as a CPA. He managed an accounting practice in Blackfoot for over thirty years, before selling his business in 1985. He continued to work part time until he retired in 1997.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors and taught his five children and grandchildren to do the same. He especially enjoyed camping, fishing, pheasant hunting, and golfing. He loved playing card games, traveling, working on the computer, and telling stories.
Jim was very civic minded and was an active member of Kiwanis, several Masonic organizations, Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, and the Idaho Society of CPA's. He was a past Master Mason of Grove City Lodge #33 and was an active advisor for the local Job's Daughters and DeMolay Chapters for many years.
Jim is survived by his children and their spouses Linda and John Quinn, Marilyn and Brint Jefferis, Janet and Robert Milligan, Ron Exeter and Carol Radmore, Douglas and Kelse Exeter, and his Boise daughter Teresa Axtell. Also surviving Jim are seven grandchildren, as well as seven great-grandchildren who called him Grandpa Jimmy.
James was preceded in death by his wife Ada May, his parents George and Lena Exeter, and his two brothers Arthur and Delbert.
At Jim's request a Scottish Rite Rose Croix Service will be held on Friday, February 12 at 6pm at the Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S Shilling, in Blackfoot.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 13 at 1pm at the Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 168 S University, in Blackfoot under the direction of Hawker Funeral Home.
Memorial donations may be made to the Exeter Family Scholarship at the College of Southern Idaho Foundation, or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.