John Boyd Kimball

If you ever had the opportunity to listen to one of his never-ending stories, you were one lucky “sumbitch”. If you didn’t, you missed out on one hell of a story.

John Boyd Kimball passed away at the age of 77, at hunting camp doing what he loved most. Saturday October 14, John took his last sun rise picture on, as he would say, “his damn phone” and said he was having a great day. He was surrounded by his son, Mike, grandson, Rhett, and a close family friend and his daughter.

John Boyd Kimball was born on July 13, 1946, to Harold and Mary Kimball, he was the youngest of 10 kids. John spent his younger years growing up in Carey Idaho, the majority of his free time was spent hunting and fishing up in the mountains with his siblings. His dad would always tell them that they needed to get everything that needed done before hunting season because as he said, “they weren't worth a damn during hunting season”.  Anyone who knew John knew that he lived to hunt.

When there weren’t chores to do, hunting season hadn't started yet, and parents were away, his older brother, Kenny, picked up the slack and taught John and his brother, Lawerence, how to ride the milk cows. This led to them rodeoing. John rode bulls and broncs, even getting a few wins from time to time.

John was a hardworking man and acquired a lot of skills working various jobs throughout his life. He worked in Rodeo for Jake Pope, milked cows, sheered sheep, cowboyed in Lima, Montana, hauled hay for his cousin Leon, lambed sheep ,worked in construction, worked for Blaine County Road and Bridge, worked at the Cheese factory in Carey, and worked in a few different mines; Thompson Creek on the Dynamite crew, Hudo mine with his brother Max, and Cyprus mine. With all these jobs it's easy to see why he knew so many people and touched so many lives.

In 1967, John married Linda Price, they had three children, Larry, Mike, and Michelle. Their married life was spent in Carey, Arco, Mackey, Challis, Stanley, and Bellevue, Idaho. Their marriage ended after 13 years. 

Later, John married Leona Williams, then became stepdad to her three children, Tina, Tami, and Kyle, and they lived in Stanley and Challis, Idaho. After they later divorced, John found his life partner, Annett Mitchell. He spent many wonderful years with her welcoming his herd of grandchildren. 

John was preceded in death by his loyal, trusty, and smart dog, Shadow; his parents, Harold and Mary (Keely) Kimball; his siblings, Eddy, Weaver, Max, Bernice, Ramona, Elda, Pat, and Kenny; as well as his partner, Annett; and many of his other close friends.

John is survived by his older brother, Lawerence (Darla) Kimball; his oldest son, Larry (Julie) Kimball; son, Mike Kimball; daughter, Michelle Kimball Stein; grandchildren, Hadley, Jarrett, and Jacie Kimball; Rhett and Emily Kimball; and Brooke and Brad Stein; stepchildren, Tina (Rick) Trusnnovec, Tami Castle, Kyle (Tammy) Castle; and their children, Sierra, Cole, Taylor, Kylie, Chayton, Jeffery, and Bailey; along with Linda (Price )Love, Leona (Williams) Clark, his good friend, Billie Leigh; as well as many nieces, nephews and family and friends.

For all that knew him, knew he always had a great story to tell, and he never knew what a stranger was. We encourage you to keep his stories going and don’t be afraid to say hi to a “little darlin” for him.

We will have a Celebration of Life for John at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, December 2, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carey Ward, Carey, Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared on John’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.