Thomas Jerald (Tom) Johnson, of Idaho Falls, and formerly of Hailey, Idaho, found eternal peace on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Tom was born Nov. 10, 1958, to Jerry and Ellen Johnson in Twin Falls, Idaho, and attended schools in Jerome, Hailey and Idaho Falls. He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1977 and married his high school sweetheart, Wendy Garner. They were blessed with two children, Christopher Thomas and Rachael Diane, whom they jointly raised in Hailey and Idaho Falls. Tom learned the trade of cooking from his father, working side by side at their family restaurant, Jerry’s Place, in Hailey. He was a licensed technician and partner in Town Refrigeration, where he serviced local businesses and residences throughout the Wood River Valley for many years, and a member of St. Charles Catholic Church. But while he valued his many friends and memorable life in Hailey, he greatly missed Christopher and Rachael, so … his journey led him back to Idaho Falls last year to spend more time with them and his grandchildren. He dearly loved his family and was so proud to be a grandpa.
Tom was kind, thoughtful and hardworking. His genuine smile, charming personality, love for life and special gift to look beyond and see the best in others were precious. He was an excellent skier and an avid outdoor sportsman. He enjoyed family gatherings, sports cars, barbeques, chess and antique shopping. Tom, we hope you knew how profoundly you touched our lives, and we sure do miss you.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Rachael (Forrestt) Payne and grandchildren, Coltyn, Maycee, Kaden, Brinlee and Karli of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his mother, Ellen Johnson of Twin Falls, Idaho; sisters Sheryl (Keith) Hanson of Twin Falls, Idaho, Terry (Doug) Sanders of Oakley, Utah, and Diane (Bob) Sparks Salmon of Hansen, Idaho; brothers, Bill (Sharon) Johnson of Jerome, Idaho, Kevin (Lisa) Johnson of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Kent (Lupe) Johnson of Rupert, Idaho; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, R. Jerry Johnson; and his son, Christopher.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Tom’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Reynolds Funeral Chapel, 2466 Addison Ave. E. in Twin Falls, Idaho. Inurnment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 2296 Kimberly Road. Services are under the direction of Trent Stimpson and staff at Reynolds Chapel.
Donations may be made in memory of Tom to St. Charles Catholic Church in Hailey, Idaho, the Monastery of the Ascension in Jerome, Idaho, or to your favorite charity. Donations may be left with funeral chapel staff or mailed to Reynolds Funeral Chapel, Box 1142, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Messages of condolence and support can be left at www.reynoldschapel.com.
