James Melvin "Jim" Betzold

1930 - 2025

Emmett - James (Jim) Melvin Betzold, was born on April 8, 1930, in Boise, Idaho to Kenneth Fredrick and Mildred (Eulalia) Betzold. He passed away on October 8th at home. He was the second of four children. He graduated from Boise High School in 1950. A hard worker from a young age, he followed high school with a job building the damn at Anderson Ranch Reservoir. At the age of 19, Jim took a position at the Boise Payette Lumber Mill, Later Boise Cascade Corp., in 1950. In the same year he met and married Katherine Deen. The two went on to have four boys and one girl. During his time at Boise Cascade, he earned his Master Grader Certificate and continued to work at the mill in Emmett for 39 years. He then worked as a lumber inspector until retirement.

It is impossible to convey Jim's love of the outdoors. He spent as much time in the woods as possible hunting, fishing, camping, and getting firewood. He took several fishing trips to Alaska and loved spending time at Elk Camp. He killed many elk and deer, including a trophy bull in 1981 that scored a 255. His last elk was killed in 2024! His sons all dreaded following him as children, as he ran across the mountain. He also never failed to fill everyone up with pancakes each morning before the hunt and to keep the fire going at night. He kept the grandkids in line with his growl. He loved to watch the BSU games and Jeopardy each night. His memory stayed sharp until the end and his stories and love of knowledge amazed everyone who talked to him.

He was proceeded in death by three grandsons, Michael, Michael, and Kris, his son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Belinda, brother Eugene, and sister Lois.

Jim is survived by his wife Katherine, sons Tom (Kathy) Betzold, Don (Andrea) Betzold, Jerry (Jean) Betzold, and daughter Barbara (Drew) Thomas.

Most of all, Jim loved his wife, his kids and their spouses, his 13 grandkids, 24 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren and we loved him. He will be remembered as Big Daddy and Grandpa by all of us as well as leader, mentor, champion, and friend.

No service is planned, but a get together will be held at a future date.