Emerd Royce James

Emerd Royce James, 95 of Burley died Friday, June 9, 2023 at his home.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father.  Emerd was born to Roy and Bertha James on March 31, 1928 in Crawford, Nebraska.  The family moved to Nevada, Missouri when he was 8 and then to Idaho when he was 12.  He graduated from Burley High School in 1945.  He married Shirley Harris on June 1, 1946.  They made their home in Burley where they shared almost 71 years of marriage.  He worked various jobs until he started driving fuel tankers for Texaco.  When Texaco moved out of Idaho he started working for Cenex.  He also drove part time for Kings.  He retired for a short time and then drove for Handy’s until he retired again at 83. He loved driving and received an award to the Million Mile Club for driving a million miles without an accident!

Emerd loved to visit.    He could talk to anyone about anything.  He was always ready to hear or tell a good story.  He had the best laugh and would laugh until tears rolled down his cheeks.   He was a great outdoors man and was always ready to go hunting, fishing, camping or just on a picnic. At almost 91 years old he shot a moose!  However, he hated snakes and would pass up a good fishing spot if he ever saw any there!

Emerd is survived by his children, Gary Spokane, WA; Michael (Mary) Johnson City, TN; Bruce (Guylia) Burley, ID; Kenneth Malad, ID;  Gayla (Mike) Staker Rupert, ID. 32 grandchildren and 83 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister Camille Fowler, his sweet wife Shirley, and his son Dennis (DeeAnn), a great granddaughter MLee Denaughel and a grandson-in-law Todd Foshee.

Emerd loved his family and had a special nickname for every one of them!  Along with his wife they rarely missed any event.  Baseball games, football games, baptisms, blessings. It didn’t matter what it was, you could always count on seeing them there with a smile and his “peace sign” wave.  He was always ready and willing to help anyone.  A jack of all trades!  He loved kids, nothing made him happier than seeing his grandkids or holding a baby.  He was a quiet teacher, even without knowing it at the time; you would always walk away with new found knowledge.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Morrison Payne Funeral Home. Viewing/Gathering for family and friends will be held 6 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Morrison Payne Funeral Home of Burley and for one hour prior to the services. Services will conclude with burial at the Paul Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Payne Funeral Home of Burley. On-line condolences may be left at morrisonpayne.com

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