Jack Eldon Yarbrough

Jack Eldon Yarbrough, 85, of Hagerman, ID, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Born in Wendell, Idaho, on August 16, 1940, Jack was the third of seven children born to Kenneth Andrew Yarbrough and Annie Mae Olander Yarbrough. He spent his early years in Jerome before the family moved to Twin Falls, where he graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1959.

Jack served honorably in the U.S. Army, both stateside and in Korea (1963–1965). He was proud of his military service, earning badges as a marksman and sharpshooter.

Before and after his military service, Jack lived and worked in Twin Falls where he was a mechanic at the Pontiac Motors Garage. He was also a popular part-time bartender and he enjoyed racing cars as a member of the Magic Valley Timing Association, a local racing club.

On August 12, 1967, Jack married Karen Lee Mares of Buhl, ID. Their daughter, Jackie, was born in 1970, followed by their son, Mike, in 1971. The family settled in the Hagerman Valley in 1972, where Jack and Karen quickly became active members of the community. Always civic-minded and dependable, Jack loved the Hagerman community; he volunteered for over 25 years with the Hagerman Fire Department.

Dedicated to his children, Jack coached their baseball teams when they were young, and he wholeheartedly supported every interest and hobby they pursued. He rarely missed any event they were a part of, and whatever they were passionate about, he was always their biggest fan.

A true outdoorsman, Jack was at home in nature—whether camping, hunting, fishing, or simply relaxing beside a river. He and Karen spent many weekends taking their kids to explore the wild Idaho outdoors, especially around Pine, Featherville, and Anderson Ranch Dam. He passed on his lifelong love and respect for the outdoors, instilling in Jackie and Mike a deep appreciation for nature. Equally as important, Jack and Karen played an instrumental role in raising their grandson, Gage, who began fishing with grandpa Jack before he could walk. Gage was lucky enough to be Jack’s fishing protégé, had better gear than most adults, and went on numerous camping, fishing, and travel adventures with his deeply devoted grandparents.

Jack had a massive collection of fishing poles and gear—so much that choosing the right pole, lure, fly or bait became part of the fun. He freely shared his fishing advice and “secrets” and his fishing adventure stories (some more believable than others) are a cherished part of his legacy.

Jack proudly dedicated two decades of service as a Park Ranger with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, serving at Malad Gorge State Park, Niagara Springs, and Box Canyon. Jack made numerous friends throughout his park service career and loved helping at and visiting other Idaho state parks. He was honored as Idaho’s Ranger of the Year in 2003 and retired in 2005.

Known for his kindness, humor, storytelling, and unmistakable friendly charm, Jack had the gift of gab and never met a stranger. He loved going to classic car shows, hanging out with the “regular crew” at the local gas station/coffee shop, and having a good laugh with friends and family. Jack leaves behind a legacy of service, humorous stories, quiet strength, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life, all trademarks of a life well-lived. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jack is survived by Karen, his wife of 58 years; his daughter, Jackie (Chris Parish and bonus grandson, Austin); his son, Mike; and his grandson, Gage Yarbrough. He was preceded in death by all six of his siblings: Laura Arlene, June, Linda, Lee, Larry, and Jim.

A Celebration of Life service remembering Jack is planned for Saturday, November 1st at 11:30 a.m. at the Hagerman American Legion Hall (281 Main Street, Hagerman, Idaho), followed by a luncheon for family and friends to come together and reminisce.

Jack was a big fan of BSU football, the Green Bay Packers, and spending time in the Idaho outdoors. In his honor, guests are invited to wear their favorite BSU, Packers, or camouflage attire—whatever feels right to you. This will be a casual gathering.

In place of cards or flowers, the Yarbrough family suggests donations in Jack’s memory to the Hagerman Fire Department at this address: Hagerman Fire Protection District PO Box 336 Hagerman, ID 83332 (208) 837-4552