Jack Hirai

Jack Junpei Hirai, 87, of Wendell, Idaho, passed away peacefully, Thursday, August 18^th, 2016 at his home.

Jack was born June 21, 1929 in Rexburg, Idaho to Yuzo and Yoshiko (Shiomi) Hirai.  He graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1948.  He served as corporal in the U.S. Army in an intelligence unit during the Korean War.  Once his service in the army was over he returned to Idaho to begin his farming career as potato farmer.  He began in Idaho Falls, shortly thereafter moving to Blackfoot, Idaho.  He later moved his farming activities to the Raft River area of Idaho.  On March 20^th, 1966 he married Kunie Umezaki in Fukuoka City, Japan.  They were married for 50 years and raised 3 sons.  In 1972 he moved to Wendell where he spent the rest of his farming career.

Jack loved the farming life and the community around him.  He was extremely active in the community.  He served multiple years in the following service organizations:  Wendell School District School Board, U.S. Farm Service Agency Board, North Side Canal Company Board, Wendell Recreation District Board, Wendell Fire District Board since 1995, American Legion Post 41 since 1972, and the Lions Club.  Jack also loved going to sporting events including those of his grandkids.

Jack is survived by his wife, Kunie, his sons William (Trish) Hirai, Gregory (Jennifer) Hirai, and Christopher Hirai, grandchildren Jackson, James, Daniel, Alex, and Kunie Lyn, brother Charley (Martha) Hirai, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.  Jack was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.

He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Bob Hirai, Violet Sase, Lucille Hirai, Yoshi (Kiyomi) Hirai, Jerry (Melba) Hirai, Mack (Alice) Hirai, James Hirai, niece Sherri Hirai.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 27^th at New Life Community Church at 800 Main St., in Wendell.  Reverend Mike Hollomon of the Methodist Church in Wendell will be officiating.  Burial will immediately follow at Wendell Cemetery.  Friends may call from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home at 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls, Idaho.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Hospice Visions and their staff for the special care and love they showed to Jack.

Those wishing to share their condolences or a memory with the family may do so on Jack’s memorial page at Magicvalleyfuneralhome.com