Elmo Lee Jenks

Elmo Lee Jenks, 86, of Boise, passed away peacefully at home Saturday, July 21, 2018. He was born March 3, 1932, in Pocatello, Idaho, to James Golden and Emma Pearl (Coburn) Jenks. He has three brothers and four sisters.

He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1950. He served in the Army. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served two missions for the church. The first started in Uruguay but was interrupted so that he could use his GI bill from the military for school. He finished at the Spanish-American mission in Texas. Later he would serve with his beautiful wife in the Dominican Republic after he was retired. He loved serving the Lord. He held many callings in the church over his life time, including Bishop and scouting. He loved the scouting program and influenced many boys over the years. He loved helping family, friends and the church.

He fell head over heels in love with Ruth Elva Koitzsch, an immigrant from Denmark. They were married in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on June 18, 1954. They were able to have 64 wonderful years together. They had five children. He was a devoted husband and father. They also have 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree. He also did many years of continuing education. After graduation, they moved to Glenns Ferry, where he taught for five years. They then moved to Boise, where he taught at West Junior High for 31 years until retirement. He was loved by co-workers and students alike. He loved to read and write, and he boxed in high school and the Army. He also enjoyed working in the garden and camping with family.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Elva (Koitzsch) Jenks; children, Elva (Craig) Jensen, Kenneth (Akiko) Jenks, Pearl (John) Bown, Karl (Pam) Jenks, and Annabelle (Tarrill) Jones; 21 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Loren and Leon; and sisters, Ila, Leola, and Judy. Elmo was preceded in death by his parents, James Golden and Emma Pearl Jenks; one brother, Keith Allen Jenks; and one sister, Lois Yvonne Jenks.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., with a viewing starting at 12:00 p.m., at the LDS Chapel at 1111 S. Cole Rd., Boise. There will also be a viewing Friday, August 3, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah St., Boise.