Jim Rutherford

Jim Rutherford, 81, passed away from this earth on Friday, March 31, 2017 with his loving family surrounding him. His devoted wife held his hand as he went to be with his Lord.

Fred James Rutherford was born April 26, 1935 to Fred and Elnora Rutherford in Sterling, Colorado. He later moved to Richfield, Idaho, where he graduated from high school.

Jim entered the service in the US Army on April 18th, 1957 and reported at Ft. Ord, California for Basic Training. He also received advanced training at Ft Eutis, Virginia transportation school for Amphibious trucks called "Duwks".

After his training, he went back to Idaho to marry his sweetheart, Bettie Mae Short. They moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was stationed at Camp Leroy Johnson in an Amphibious truck company. When he had completed his service to his country, Jim and Bettie returned to Richfield so Jim could help his dad with the family farm.

Jim attended The College of Southern Idaho to receive his Associates Degree and then Jim, Bettie, and their 3 children moved to Pocatello where he continued his education at Idaho State University. He graduated December 21, 1971 with a degree in Pharmacology. He passed both the Idaho and Nevada state board exams, landing a job at Pennywise Drug in Elko, Nevada. Later, he moved to Boise, Idaho where he worked as a Pharmacist at Grand Central, Shopko, and retired from Albertson's where he worked the longest. He had many customers who loved him and only trusted him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elnora Rutherford, and his sisters, Mae (John) Poole and Margaret (Harold) Pridmore.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Bettie Mae Rutherford. Children: Randy (Darlene) Rutherford, Rhonda Tipton, Bryan (Joanie) Rutherford. Grandchildren: Wade (Anastasia) Rutherford, Hunter Tipton, Eric (Karen) Rutherford. Great-grandchildren: Adanya, Arabella, and Mia.

We would like to say a big thank you from Jim Rutherford's family to the Caring staff at Liberty Dialysis for the loving tender care he received during the past 3 years. Dr. Jerry Meng, Rance, Danny, Sabina, Sam, and others. The family also wishes to acknowledge the medical Staff on Duty March 31st at St. Luke's Meridian CCU Unit for their heroic efforts in saving Jim's life so we could all gather and say our goodbyes. Thank you to Registered Nurse Montana, Dr. Nielsen, Dr. Nowbar, and Chaplain Les, and others.