Jim Blacker Memorial Scholarship Fund

James C. Blacker (Jim) was born in Nampa, Idaho, on February 28, 1945, to T.C. and Lily (Cook) Blacker. He graduated from Caldwell High School and earned a degree in business from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. It was at BYU that he met his future bride, Sheri White, and they were married on December 16, 1967, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Jim, together with his brother Kyle Blacker, owned and operated Blackers Complete Home Furnishings in Caldwell, which was later changed to Ashley Furniture Home Store. During those years, Jim was part of the Associated Volume Buyers (AVB), one of the largest member-owned buying groups in North America. He was elected by his peers to serve as national president from 1992 to 1996. Jim was raised in Caldwell; he and Sheri raised their own family in Caldwell. He loved his community and served in various capacities to encourage and promote progress for the citizens and for the city. He was first elected to the Caldwell City Council in 2003, after being appointed in June of 2002. He served on Caldwells Planning and Zoning Commission, Library Board, Friends of the Depot Board and the Economic Development Council, as well as serving in his most recent position as city council president. Jim was active in the Boy Scouts. He volunteered with the Caldwell School District, the College of Idaho and the Rotary Club, where he was a member for almost 39 years and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1992. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At age 19, he left for Brazil to serve a two-year, full-time mission and always had a special appreciation for other missionaries. He served in numerous callings, including the office of bishop of his own ward. For the past several years, he had served alongside his wife, Sheri, as a temple worker in the Boise (Idaho) LDS Temple. During his lifetime, Jims favorite hobbies included softball, fishing, and pheasant hunting. He was the unofficial King of Ice Cream, and he unapologetically adored his mother's potato salad. He was never, ever, without a joke to share, and seldom missed an opportunity to engage in some gentle teasing. In his busy life, Jim let it be known that his most prized responsibilities were as husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family with all he did, and especially enjoyed doting on his 24 grandchildren. He could magically infuse a little more fun into every family gathering or vacation, with treasure hunts, guessing games, silly contests, sing-alongs, prizes, treats, etc. He was a giver of the best kind who was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Jim passed away on October 26, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Sheri, and five children: Becky (Steve) Larson; Tami (Dave) Downs; Greg (Tami) Blacker; Pamela (Zach) Wagoner; and Lisa (Jason) Pannell. He is also survived by three siblings and their spouses: Eileen (Wayne) Petersen; Kyle (Deborah) Blacker; and Janis (Ed) Reynolds; and 24 grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Michael Blacker.