Obituary of James Darrell Becker

     James Darrell “Jim” Becker, 75, of Boise, Idaho passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2023, surrounded by friends and family, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Born in Blackfoot, Idaho on June 23, 1948, to John and Marceline Becker as the eighth of fourteen children, Jim grew up in Gooding, Idaho and attended all twelve years of school there, graduating from Gooding High School in 1967. In July of 1968, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam as a Freight Traffic Specialist, ultimately completing his service obligation, and being honorably discharged in 1972 with the rank of Sergeant.

     Upon his return to Gooding, Jim met a girl from just ten miles up the road in Wendell, Idaho, and by 1974 they were married. In December of 1976, they welcomed a son, Jay. While that union did not last, Jim had already started what would become a lifelong career in retail management, first working for Skaggs and then Kmart in Twin Falls, Idaho. It was at Kmart that he met the love of his life, Sondra Aune, whom he married on February 21, 1981. Shortly after, Jim accepted a management position with what, at the time, was an up-and-coming but little-known wholesale club out of Seattle called Costco, and moved the young family of three to Spokane, Washington. In November of 1984, they welcomed a second son, Ryne. In 1988, the family moved back to Idaho for good to open the new Costco Wholesale on Franklin Rd. The family remained in Boise from that point forward, close to family and friends and all of the hobbies that Jim enjoyed including golfing, camping, fishing, hiking, and Boise State football. Jim retired from Costco in 2017 after 33 years with the company, and filled the ensuing years traveling with Sondra, playing golf, and spending time with his grandchildren.

     Jim was a lifetime Catholic and a founding member of Risen Christ Catholic Community, where he served as a lector, greeter, and Eucharistic Minister. His faith served as the foundation of Jim’s life, as he always strived to be the best Christian father, husband, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend he could be. How ever you knew Jim, you probably found him to be humble, kind, and generous with his time and attention.

     To his family he was Pops, Uncle Jim, Grandpa Becker, Jimmy, #8, and JB. He had a big smile and an even bigger heart, and while he was always a man of few words, you knew he loved you and would always be there for you. The world is better for him having been in it, and while he will be missed dearly by all, we will carry on because, well, that’s what he would do.

     Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Sondra; sons: Jay (Kirsten) of Boise, ID, and Ryne (Catherine) of Meridian, ID. Jim also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Jordan, Taylor, Paige, Morgan, Gavin, Lucas, Alex, and Kendall. He is also survived by his siblings: Conrad, Raymond (Laura), John (Gloria), Marcella Martinchick (Mike), Viola, Margene Willis (Dallas), Ken (Lynette), Mike (Lisa), Loretta Kremer (Randy), Pat (Lynn), and Nick (Karla); sister-in-law, Anne Becker; and brother-in-law, Larry Ervin. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

     Jim was preceded in death by his father, John Becker; mother, Marceline Becker; siblings: Edwin Becker and Louise Ervin; and sisters-in-law, Abbie Becker, and Kathy Becker.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Risen Christ Catholic Community or the Boise VA Hospital.

     Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Risen Christ Catholic Community with a rosary prayer service from 2:00pm-2:30pm and the funeral mass at 3:00pm. A short procession to the columbarium with military honors will follow the mass. A reception for friends and family will be hosted by the church after the services conclude.