Jack Edward Poulson, 88, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at home in Boise, Idaho. Jack was born to Fred William and Blanche Elizabeth Sorensen Poulson on February 15, 1936, in American Falls, Idaho, the eldest of three children. At age 17, Jack left high school to join the United States Navy, where he served for four years on the destroyer USS Agerholm. In 1958 Jack completed his service in the Navy and returned to his parents’ home in Pocatello, Idaho where he began attending Idaho State College (name later changed to Idaho State University), where he met (June) Renee Garrett. On January 23, 1959, Jack and Renee were married in Boise, Idaho. Shortly before his death they celebrated their sixty fifth wedding anniversary. After graduation from ISU in 1962, Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force. The Poulson family began years of moving to many Air Force bases throughout the United States, including Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska, with his final assignment in Mountain Home, Idaho. He retired from the Air Force in 1978, and the family settled in Boise, Idaho. Jack went to Boise State University to become a certified teacher and taught mathematics and chemistry for several years at Meridian High School. He loved to read and study, attending several universities, including the University of Utah where he graduated in meteorology. At the time of his retirement from the Air Force, he was the Weather Detachment Commander. Jack was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving three times as a Bishop. He also served as Sunday school teacher, Young Men’s President, Scout Master, and in many other callings. He served many years in the Boise Idaho Temple and several years in the LDS church cannery. He also volunteered in the endoscopy clinic at the Boise Veterans Hospital. Jack and Renee served as missionaries in the Ka’u district on the Big Island of Hawaii, where they loved the people and culture. After their release from their mission, they returned to visit every January for several years. Amongst Jack’s favorite memories were playing baseball, especially catch with his dad, and fishing with his father and his sons, service with the Boy Scouts of America, and staying with his Grandma Effie. Jack is survived by his wife, Renee, and his three sons, William (Bobbette) Poulson, Bryan (Carla) Poulson, and Scott (Constance) Poulson, all of Boise. Two daughters, Jacueline (Eric) McArthur of Seattle and Christina (Christoper) Coltrin of Boise, his sister Helen Baldwin of Pocatello, sisters In-law Zoe Ann Waits of Boise and Shirley Garrett of Riverton, Utah, 17 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Jack was happiest when surrounded by his family, along with excited and noisy chatter, and joyful laughter throughout the house. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Blanche Poulson and Renee’s parents, John and June Garrett, his brother, Jerry and brothers in law, Don Baldwin, and Jack Garrett. The night of his passing, his daughter Christina wrote: “Until we meet again daddy, I hope you’re enjoying peace of mind and all the memories from your beautiful life you shared with us. We are filled with peace knowing your battle with Alzheimer’s is finally over. I love you forever” and from his son Bill, “Dad, I’m so happy for you. No more pain, and all your memories of your loving family are restored to you. I know you will be checking in on us. I love you with all my heart, till we meet at Jesus’ feet.” Their sentiments were felt and shared by all his children. And so, it was with joy and sorrow that our prayers were answered, and our loved one was finally taken home.
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