James “Jim” K. Stauffer was born on April 29th, 1950, in Twin Falls, Idaho to William and Lida Stauffer. He grew up on the family farm and attended Jerome schools, graduating from JHS in 1969. Jim attended Ricks and Rocky Mountain College on a football scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in PE/Health and History. It was at Rocky Mountain College where he met and later married Diane Owen of Geraldine, Montana. They settled down in Jerome where Jim began his career in education as a history teacher at Jerome Junior High school in 1974 and resumed farming during the growing season. Jim and Diane welcomed their first child, Aimie, in September of that same year. 1975 was the beginning of his coaching career as he oversaw the 8th grade heavyweight football team and coached the 7th and 8th grade track teams. 1976 added yet another sport to his coaching schedule, 7th grade boys’ basketball, while Jim continued to coach boys track, and 8th grade football. In 1977, Aimie was excited to welcome a little brother and Jim and Diane were thrilled to welcome a son, Andrew (Andy) who completed the Stauffer family.
1978, he landed a job at Jerome high school where he taught US History and continued his coaching duties with both the JV and Freshman basketball teams. In 1979 he added football to the mix. In 1983 he was hired as the varsity girls’ basketball head coach and had much success. Jim realized his next coaching experience as an assistant coach under Ben Allen for the boys’ varsity program and took over as head coach in 1989.
Jim and Diane divorced in 1993, and he moved on to teach at Kimberly and Glenns Ferry high schools respectively. In October of 1997 Jim re-connected with his high school classmate, Ann Kennedy, forging a strong life-long bond. He also gained a stepson, Kurt, whom Jim loved as his own. Jim moved to Boise and had an opportunity to work at Boise Paving with his nephew Jeff Weigle. He later moved to Riggins where he completed his teaching career at Salmon River High where Jim was honored and thrilled to be the advisor of the back-to-back-to back-to back, yes that is 4 years in a row, state championship class of 2014.
In retirement, Jim finally found time to really enjoy the things he always loved; golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, cooking, and spending time with Ann, his children, grandchildren, friends and dogs.
Jim is survived by his beloved life partner, Ann Kennedy-Cox, Children: Aimie Stauffer, and Andy Stauffer (Kelly) all of Boise, Sister Barbra Weigle of Jerome, Brother Bill Stauffer (Pattie) of Howe, Granddaughters: Kayleigh, Emma, Christa and Zoey. Cousins: Dee Sucher (Christy) of Swan Valley and Bob Pence (Robin) of Rigby, and many nieces and nephews and friends he loved like family.
Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother William and Lida Stauffer, sister Jeanne Stauffer(Drown), brother Denny Stauffer, brothers in law Gary Drown and Leroy Weigle, nephew Jeff Weigle, and stepson Kurt Cox.
Jim’s family suggests memorials in his name to Meadow Creek Men’s Golf Association for Youth golf. Donations can be mailed to: PO Box 172 New Meadows ID 83654.
“For those unable to attend or travel during this time of year, a Life Celebration will be held sometime next summer and announced at a later date.
Jim’s family would like to thank everyone for the love, prayers and shared memories. The support during this difficult time is both comforting and uplifting”.
A funeral service will be held, 10:00 am, Wednesday, January 3, 204 at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr. Garden City, Idaho.
A graveside service will be held, 11:00 am, Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Jerome City Cemetery.