Ralph James Piper, Jr.

Ralph James “Jim” Piper Jr. passed away in Jerome, Idaho, on April 15, 2024, due to complications of COPD. He was born on March 21, 1939, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Ralph “Sandy” and Betty Piper.

He attended school in Buhl, Idaho, graduating from Buhl High School in 1958, where he excelled in track and football. He attended Idaho State University in Pocatello. He enlisted in the Army and served in Germany during the Cold War in the Intelligence Division. He moved to Jerome when his tour ended in 1964. He met his future wife, Martha McCall, while she was attending the University of Idaho in 1965. Martha was from Southern California, ultimately Jim moved there to be with her. They were married in Riverside, California, on July 15, 1967. While in Riverside, he earned an engineering degree from Riverside University.

In 1971 Jim and Martha moved back to Jerome, where he had a job with the State of Idaho Transportation department. He was employed by the State until his retirement in 2000.

Their daughter Julie was born in 1975. He called her “bambino,” a nickname to this date. Throughout his life, Jim loved to be outdoors. He hunted and fished from an early age. He especially enjoyed the years he spent fishing with his dad, be it in Canada or at Magic Reservoir.

Jim is survived by his wife, Martha of Jerome, Idaho; his daughter, Julie Barnhart (Harvey) of Utah; sisters, Judy Lambert (Dee) and Janet Cottle, both of Twin Falls, Idaho; and nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Snake River Canyon National Cemetery, 1585 E Elm St, Buhl, Idaho.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Jim’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.