James S. 'Jimmy' Fox

BURLEY – James S. “Jimmy” Fox, a 78-year-old resident of Albany, Oregon, and formerly of Burley, passed away comfortably at 5a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2023, with Vanessa Sosa, his foster care provider, by his side.

He was born August 5, 1944, in Burley, Idaho, the fourth of eight children born to Floyd T. Fox and Ilean “Ross” Fox, of Burley, Idaho. James was born with cerebral palsy and was raised at home with his family at a time when children with his issues were sent to an asylum. Floyd and Ilean would not have it. Raised in a two-room home, James was taught and learned to do for himself. His mother taught him to walk at the age of three with broom sticks and sent him to voice therapy. She also started the Burley opportunity school located by the water tower for children like him. James was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

James went to work for the Lynch family at the first Mr. Gas station at 855 Overland Ave., in Burley, just down the street from his house. James oversaw the ice and car wash and could always be seen playing checker with the brothers, Jim, Steve, and Gary, forming a lifelong friendship with the Big Jim Lynch and the Lynch family. After the passing of his beloved Mother, Ilean, James continued to take care for his father, Floyd, who had lost his hand in a mill accident early in James’ life.

After moving to Sweet Home, Oregon, to live with his sister, Darlene, and brother-in-law, Eddie Bennett, James continued to work at the Sunshine Center until he retired at the age of 55. When it was announced they were remodeling the Sunshine Center, James didn’t hesitate to donate the very first dollar. James was a lifelong fan of John Wayne, the Lone Ranger, his fights “wrestling”, car races, football, baseball, Scooby-doo, and Mickey Mouse.

James was preceded in death by his sister, Naydean (age 10); brothers, Mikel Dean (age 2), and Walter Ray (age 67); brothers-in-law, Leo “Dee” Davis (age 43), and Larry Heaton (age 74); and his parents, Ilean Ross Fox (age 60), and Floyd T. Fox (age 93).

James is survived by his brother, “Lloyd” and Sharla Fox of Las Vegas, Nevada; sisters, Jessie “Darlene” and Eddie Bennett of Sweet Home, Oregon, “Alta” Lee and Dan Gibbons of Declo, and “Katie” Kathy L. Frost, of Albany, Oregon. James was a loving uncle to 14 nieces and nephews; and even two great-nephews named after him, James Drury by Desiree Bennett and Daniel James by Beth Ann Mclean; as well as many, many cousins who loved him very much.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 14, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, where family and friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.