James Stalney Erikson

James (Jim) Stanley Erikson passed away at 97 years of age after living a fully enriched life in Pocatello, ID, at his granddaughter Michelle (Sean) Kitchin’s home, surrounded by an abundance of love from his family. 

Jim was born on September 21, 1927 in Boise, Idaho, to Carl Eugene and Lois Emery Erikson. He was the youngest child of brothers Richard and Don. 

He grew up in Boise and maintained many lifelong friendships forged in his childhood. 

Jim’s passion for cooking and gardening took root in childhood as he spent time helping his mother tend her vibrant flower beds. Raised by their mother after their father’s passing, Jim and his two brothers were a lively, adventurous trio—often finding themselves in the thick of mischief alongside the neighborhood boys. 

One such escapade involved a creative approach to acquiring watermelons: sneaking into a neighboring farmer’s field, tossing the melons into the canal, and floating them downstream to a waiting wheelbarrow at their mother’s property—only to stash their bounty in the fruit cellar. Their antics may have called for discipline, but they also spoke to their resourcefulness and spirited nature.

 After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy, where he cooked for and fed many sailors. Upon his discharge, he was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Medal. Jim had a deep love for his country and was a strong supporter of Wounded Warriors.

Boise was where Jim met the love of his life, Shirley Jean Merideth, daughter of Glen and Linnea Merideth. In 1951, they exchanged vows, embarking on a journey of love and devotion that spanned 59 years. Their bond remained unwavering until Shirley’s passing in 2010. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Cheri, Debi, and Steve. Jim dedicated his career to the telephone company, working in Boise, Burley, Jerome, and Pocatello, Idaho, before retiring at the remarkably young age of 50. Retirement opened the door to countless adventures, including his membership in the Telephone Pioneers—a lively group of retired telephone company employees who embraced travel and camaraderie. 

For 20 years, Jim and Shirley spent their winters in Casa Grande, Arizona, where they were surrounded by lifelong friends. Their close-knit community, affectionately known as Spud Row, was a source of endless joy. Together, they shared laughter that stretched beyond sundown, playing games, embarking on trips, contributing to community projects, crafting, gathering for potlucks, and making memories that would last a lifetime. 

Jim was a man of remarkable talents, with a wealth of diverse interests that enriched his life and the lives of those around him. His passion for genealogy was a true labor of love, dedicating 15 years to meticulously tracing family roots so that future generations could cherish their ancestry. While his family sometimes wished he had spent more time visiting his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the legacy he leaves behind is a priceless gift from his heart. 

Beyond his devotion to family history, Jim found joy in crafting intricate stained-glass pieces, creating festive holiday decorations, and, alongside Shirley, nurturing a vibrant garden filled with towering gladiolus and dahlias. He relished time outdoors—golfing, fishing, boating, and traveling—yet his greatest love remained with his family. His culinary talents were equally impressive, baking traditional Basque bread in his mother’s treasured Dutch oven, experimenting with flavors in dishes like spaghetti with green olives and ham fried rice, and sharing the warmth of his cooking with loved ones. His passions and dedication will forever be treasured. 

Alaska held a special place in Jim and Shirley’s hearts, where they spent cherished moments fishing for salmon and halibut and trapping king crab alongside their lifelong friends, Don and Nova Baldwin. What began as a 65-year friendship blossomed into a beautiful love story when, after the passing of Don and Shirley, Jim and Nova found comfort and joy in one another. 

For nearly a decade, they built a life together in Scottsdale, Arizona, where road trips to visit family brought them immense happiness. Their days were filled with sunshine, relaxing on the patio by the pool, surrounded by the vibrant garden Nova had carefully cultivated—bougainvillea being Jim’s favorite. The simple pleasures of watching hummingbirds dart around their many feeders never failed to delight them. While they enjoyed cooking together, they often preferred dining out, always eager to share meals with family. On bright, breezy days, flea markets became a favorite pastime, and Jim developed an amusing habit of collecting woven stretchy belts and meticulously numbering his white athletic socks to ensure perfect matching, even though they were all identical. Nova, in turn, loved shopping for Jim, filling his closet with an array of golf shirts, shorts, pants, shoes, vests, and coats, each one chosen with care.

 In their later years, they found comfort in the familiar—spending evenings watching Gunsmoke and faithfully following Fox News, sharing quiet moments that reflected their deep companionship.

Jim is survived by daughters Cheri (Rick) Jones, Debi (Wally) Barney, and Son Steve Erikson. As well as 6 grandchildren, Michelle (Sean) Kitchin, Brian (Jenny) Jones, Brad Jones, Amanda Rose Erikson, Tammy (Nick) Turney, Breann (Bryce) Metcalf, 13 greatgrandchildren, and 1 heavenly great-grandson. He will be joyously reunited with his beloved Shirley, parents, grandparents, brothers, great-grandson Conner Jones, and beloved cocker spaniel Lilly, who all preceded him in death. He leaves behind his significant other, Nova Baldwin of Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Jim will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Shirley, on June 16th, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Restlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2864 S. 5th Ave, Pocatello, Idaho. Under the care of Wilks Funeral Home, 211 West Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho (208-238-8000)

Please join us in honoring, remembering, and celebrating James (Jim’s) life. 

In honor of Jim’s favorite color, feel free to wear something blue as a tribute.

 Remembering Jim at his graveside service with warmth, laughter, and love is all he wished for. 

“I did it my way,” Frank Sinatra.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.