John Robert Case

John Robert Case, born on Oct. 25, 1939, in Oak Park, Ill., passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, in Boise, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 83 years old.

John’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his passions and his deep love for his family and community. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in forestry, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the great outdoors.

After completing Officer Candidate School, John was commissioned in the U.S. Navy as a second lieutenant and served in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he joined the U.S. Forest Service, embarking on a lifelong adventure that would shape his destiny. It was during his early years with the Forest Service at Fernan Ranger Station in Coeur d’Alene, that he met Patricia Rheams, the love of his life. They were married Feb. 4, 1967, and their marriage spanned an incredible 56 years.

John’s career with the U.S. Forest Service led him to some of the most picturesque and remote corners of Idaho. He thrived in the natural beauty of places like Bonners Ferry and Clearwater County, where he found his Shangri-La.

One of the highlights of his career was his time at Kelly Creek Ranger Station, which started in 1979. As a timber manager, he explored the backcountry of the Clearwater National Forest, sometimes being shuttled by helicopter to remote locations. It was here that he indulged his passion for fly fishing and began crafting exquisite flies that he generously shared with friends and family.

John’s love for the outdoors extended to hiking and exploring remote mountain lakes. He made cherished memories hiking and fishing with his family and friends in the wilderness of North Idaho and the Sawtooth Mountains of Central Idaho.

After more than 35 years with the U.S. Forest Service, John continued his love and dedication to the outdoors as a contract wildfire fighter and manager, traveling to locations from Alaska to California.

John’s commitment to his children, Colleen and Doug, was unwavering. He supported their athletic pursuits, even though he had no personal interest in organized sports, becoming their most loyal fan. His devotion extended to his community, where he served through his church and the Urban Forest of Orofino committee and regularly visited inmates at the state prison in Orofino, an act of dedication and compassion that few people have the nerve to do.

John was known for his kindness, friendly demeanor and quick wit, which he delivered with perfect timing. He was well known in Orofino for frequenting the free popcorn machine at Banner Bank to satisfy his love of snacks and as an opportunity to strike up conversations. He was also a tireless hiker, conditioned from his years of hiking the steep ravines and mountains of Idaho. Even in his later years, when his body was under attack from Parkinson’s, he could walk for miles, seemingly effortlessly. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity and warmth that will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; his son, Doug; daughter, Colleen; and brother, Thomas; and his grandsons, James, Ethan and Isaac. The family expresses their gratitude to the dedicated staff and associates at CornerStone Memory Care in Boise for their exceptional care during John’s final years.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 1 p.m. PDT Saturday, June 22, at the Eyrie at Kathryn Albertson Park, 1001 American Blvd., Boise. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Idaho Conservation League, Friends of the Clearwater or Prison Fellowship. All friends and family are welcome to attend the service and share in remembering this remarkable man.