Jack L. McDougal took Jesus' hand and left this earth on February 7, 2019 after a good, long life. He was born February 28, 1931 in Roseberry, Idaho, just east of what is now known as Donnelly. Jack was the son of Winsel and Opal McDougal. He spent his early childhood in Roseberry, but attended high school in Council, Idaho where he was a star basketball player, excellent skier, and an avid outdoors enthusiast. Jack later attended the University of Idaho and Boise Junior College. Joining the US Air Force in 1950, Jack served his country for four years. He was primarily stationed at an Air Force base outside London, England and his experiences there were a source of many of his favorite memories and fun stories. Jack also attended barber college, a skill he practiced all through life. It was while working at his first barber shop that he met the love of his life, Bonnie, who worked next door. Jack and Bonnie married June 1, 1958, and he became Dad to daughter Melva and son Michael. The kids adored him. He took on construction jobs of all types around the northwest, taking his new family from points along the Columbia River to North Central Idaho to Idaho Falls. They eventually moved back to the Treasure Valley, where they lived the remainder of Jack's life on earth. Jack was truly a man's man. He loved to fish and hunt. He was a farmer and a gardener. And BSU football and basketball seldom have had a bigger fan. Abundantly gifted with insight and common sense, as well as the ability to 'fix' anything, Jack was consistently called upon to tackle the most challenging jobs both in his professional and personal lives. Truly a 'jack-of-all-trades', he was the hardest working individual many of us knew. And, he loved to tell stories. With his great sense of humor and memorable laugh, Jack had more stories to tell about his life and experiences than most of us could ever dream up. Though true, they sometimes seemed like tall tales because they were bigger than life. But then, he himself was bigger than life to those of us that loved him most. Jack loved his wife Bonnie with a passion and completeness that few will ever know. They were truly kindred spirits and shared 61 blessed years together. During the many times he had to work remotely on forestry jobs, construction jobs, or drilling core samples on dams and reservoirs for the Bureau of Reclamation, they spoke by phone every single day, never missing an opportunity to strengthen and maintain their connection. Well-traveled, they made many happy memories together in the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, and across Europe. Those that knew Jack well acknowledge that there were few things in life that he loved more than his family, both immediate and extended. He looked forward to family reunions with a childlike eagerness to catch up with loved ones. For his entire life, family clans from Valley and Adams counties gathered regularly. Names such as Fields, Pottenger, Spickelmire, Jasper, and McDougal saw each other at least annually, if not more often. Jack and Bonnie were frequently the first ones to arrive at such reunions, and amongst the last to leave. He didn't want to miss a minute! And events and holidays spent with his in-laws, the Chapmans and Stanleys, were equally special to him. Jack loved the Lord all his life but waited until he was 80 years young before being baptized in Lake Lowell. Leading by example, he was a man of few words but when he spoke his words carried weight. As the rock of his family, the essence of Jack was one of quiet strength. His wisdom, integrity, and calmness in any storm were admired by all that knew him. He truly walked among giants and was a man among men. We shall all miss him more than words can express. But none will miss him more than his beloved wife and constant companion, Bonnie. Jack is survived by Bonnie, along with daughter Melva Rand (Jon), son Michael (Jenna), five grandchildren (for whom he loved to 'wiggle his ears'), two nephews and various cousins, and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Fred. The family wishes to acknowledge the superb and compassionate care given Jack by the staff of St Alphonsus Hospital in Boise during his 3-week stay: ER, Neurology, and Rehab as well as the exceptional management by Dr. Ondrej Choutka. And we want to sincerely thank the excellent all-encompassing staff, led by Dr. Derald Walker and Dr. Ryan Williams, of Cascadia Nampa who became like second family to Jack and Bonnie during his several month rehabilitation. We would also like to extend our appreciation to both Dr. Karl Schultheiss and Dr. Mark Parent for their first-rate care during Jack's latter years. Jack will be laid to rest Friday, February 15 with services to be held at 11 AM, at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd. in Nampa, directly preceded by a one-hour viewing beginning at 10 AM. A brief graveside service will follow at nearby Kohlerlawn Cemetery, Nampa, followed by a reception at the Golden Corral near Karcher Mall, Nampa around 1-2pm. Condolences may be expressed at zeyerfuneralchapel.com. Please join us in celebrating a life well-lived.
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