esther becker simplot

He had to spend his 98th birthday under rehabilitation. One of Mr. Simplots researchers, Ray Dunlap, urged Mr. Simplot to give him a freeze box so he could practice freezing vegetables. WebJR Simplot was the founder of the J.R. Simplot Company and he has an estimated net worth of $3.7 billion. The license plate on his car read Mr. Spud. WebJ. This led to the expansion of Simplot potato processing plants, and a construction of a new plant in Oregon. I did. He then married Esther Becker a retired opera singer in 1972. With a variety of bands, Music on the Water is a free, three-concert series that features local bands such as Built to Spill and Kevin Kirk and Onomatopoeia, food and beverages, arts and crafts, kids events and more. He is survived by his wife, Esther Becker Simplot, two sons Don and Scott one daughter, Gay Simplot, 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Esther Simplot Park. One day in 1964, a larger-than-life character from Idaho walked into Esthers life. WebThrough her performances on stage and her work behind the scenes, Esther Becker Simplot has always had a dedication and commitment to the performing and visual arts. This is a game changer that will have an impact on the whole area, Holloway says. Now with the park open, its magical, she says. A Boise officer threw a handcuffed Black teen to the ground. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, January 4, 1909, Jack Simplot soon became an Idahoan when his family moved to a farm near Declo in the southern part of the state when he was 2 years old. We chatted a bit. Mr. Simplot promised to build an entire factory just for McDonalds. S-16, a development company J.R. Simplot started for his grandchildren, built and owned Idaho IceWorld. WebJ. WebBorn in 2 Jul 1914 and died in 27 Jul 1983 Bellingham, Washington Esther Myrtle Osborn Simplot The Idaho Statesman newspaper said that he owned the nations largest cattle ranch, in Oregon. But Mr. Simplot bought Mr. Dunlap a large freezer anyway, and a few months later, Mr. Simplot tasted hot French fries that had been frozen. Mr. Simplots first marriage to Ruby Rosevear ended in divorce. Who is HYNN? He left school when he was 14 to go into business for himself. Their longest marriage was 36 years to Esther Becker. Her love of ballet led her and her husband to build the Esther Simplot Performing Arts J. R. Simplot, a billionaire who grew up in a sod-roofed log cabin and dropped out of school at 14, then marshaled luck, spunk and inventiveness to fashion an entrepreneurial career that included developing the first commercial frozen French fry, died on Sunday at his home in Boise, Idaho. His son, Richard, died in 1993. Elton John Splurges On Luxury Toronto Apartment, Antonio Brown Allegedly Selling Fake Richard Mille Watch For $160,000, Horror Film Smile Breaks The Box Offices Record With $22 Million Opening, Inside Red Sea Project: The $5 Billion Saudi Desert Megaresort, Tiffany Haddishs Lawsuit Was Dropped, But Her Career Is Totally Over, The Richest Members Of The Gyllenhaal Family, Ranked. Simplot had begun raising sheep in 1938, but phased out of that business in the late 1950s to concentrate on cattle and farming. Our theme is a water sports park fishing, boating, swimming.. They have also lived in Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ. WebFor better or worse, J.R. Simplot is credited with giving the world the deep-frozen French fry, providing lift-off for the fast-food industry and profoundly changing our eating habits. Phipps was an entrepreneur, investor and a one-time business partner of Andrew Carnegies. My life with my husband, I know it all happened but it just seems like a dream. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Jan. The couple also made generous donations to their alma mater and the city of Boise. There were teachers living in the hotel who were being paid in interest-bearing scrip. Boise Soul Food Festival, Western Idaho Fair, pro golf on tap, Highlands addition: Homeowners, architect update and expand a midcentury classic, New to Boise? He was able to supply fries all year long, and by 1972, all fries supplied were frozen. Within a decade, Mr. Simplot was the largest shipper of potatoes in the West, with 33 warehouses in Oregon and Idaho. Also known as Jack or JR, he founded the J.R. Simplot Company in 1929. All information on this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. I started my farmers out with good seed, he said. A $1 million investment in two engineers working in the basement of a dentist's office in Boise made Mr. Simplot the largest shareholder in Micron Technology Inc., a major manufacturer of computer memory chips. Her age is 88. Indeed, 23 of its 55 acres are water. I dont believe in the notion that all parks have to look the same, so lets grab a theme. Mr. Simplot had a straightforward philosophy of business. 8cMUZ@l Uf!5` =@a4V}uZxyXWw"Q4`.;k79_L.L g&!g|e<39yB hSt{%oqNIQIOl\?Ll`bi^UO(f! and Kathryn Albertson Foundation and Boise Parks and Recreation. Dallas and Alta invested energy in civic and religious activities. In 1996, the Academy Annex opened with a dance studio and office space for the ballet. They married on New Years Day 1930. John Richard Simplot (January 4, 1909 May 25, 2008) was a native of Dubuque, Iowa. WebJ. Esther Simplots legacy already runs deep in the Treasure Valley, and the city would be a very different place if she had not chosen to move here. How rich was JR Simplot? There had been earlier efforts to develop an acceptable frozen french fry, but a new market opened up after World War II, when freezer compartments became standard in refrigerators. All Rights Reserved. 26/,yScG]*^JtD5|$- =UIeH(+1hpu7dkg-b&.ZZ /hD-p- endstream endobj 52 0 obj <>stream His mother gave him $20 in gold coins, and he moved into a $1-a-night hotel in a nearby town. Cultural Attractions & Organizations WebJ.R. I could have sold out plenty of times, but I just hung on and now weve really got something.. J.R. Simplot Jan. 4, 1909 - May 25, 2008 Study LookS At Cutting BACk on in-SeASon nitRogen Jack Simplot died peacefully at his home in Boise May 25 with Esther, his wife of 36 years, by his side. Her untiring devotion and The city will begin riverbank restoration and enhancement to create access, outlooks and picnic areas starting this fall. Its principal businesses are food processing, fertilizer manufacturing and retail marketing, farming and ranching, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Its the beach that does it. Throughout his business career, he blended a gambler's intuition with a businessman's judgment and common sense. The death was announced by Larry Hlobik, president and chief executive of the Simplot Company. A group of us would leave the YMCA, jog down and swim across Veterans Pond, and then jog over to Bob Rice (now Quinns Pond) and swim across that. Simplot operations are located throughout the western and midwestern United States, and in Mexico, Canada, China, and Australia. The city had already purchased 40 acres there. A riverbank that was once a tangle of cottonwoods and brush has been transformed into a family-friendly sandy beachfront. Marianne Williams Park opened in 2012, with 70 acres of manicured green spaces, paved pathways, natural open areas and an extension of the Boise River Greenbelt in East Boise. There had been earlier efforts to develop an acceptable frozen French fry, but a new market opened up after World War II, when freezer compartments became standard in refrigerators. ESPAA is home to many of Boise's most prestigious performing arts associations, including the Boise Philharmonic, Ballet Idaho, and Opera Idaho. Today, the Simplot Company is a broad-based food and agribusiness firm that employs 10,000 people. She moved to Denver in 1968 and to Boise in 71. My friends have been so important to me throughout my life, Simplot says. Kid Friendly Activities. It didnt frighten me, but lets say I was overwhelmed at the beginning. Esther Becker grew up on a farm in Omro, Wis., not too far from Oshkosh, during the Great Depression. They moved their operation to Boise in 1950, calling it Harris Brothers Lumber Company, eventually becoming Producers Lumber Company. My God, good product, he said. Jim and the city leadership at the time thought that land by Quinns Pond would make a great riverside park.. Donation packages are $10 and $20 at EventBrite.com. "My God, good product," he said. This pond is lined with trees and shrubs, ideal for bird-watching anglers, yet near the playground and park facilities. Mr. Simplot won, and expanded to all phases of the potato industry. He worked on a farm, and developed a method for feeding hogs. From its humble beginnings, Morrison-Knudsen became one of the largest construction contractors in the world. Ann and Harry traveled for much of their 43-year marriage, visiting MK construction sites in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India and more. The principal parks are named for early pioneer Julia Davis, who worked side-by-side with her husband, Thomas, as they became one of the largest ranching and farming families in the region; and Ann Morrison, known as The First Lady of Construction, who worked beside her husband, engineering magnate Harry Morrison, as he traveled the world building large-scale projects such as Hoover Dam in Nevada and Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Plans for development are on track for 2019. Its the site for popular events such as Boises Fourth of July fireworks celebration and the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic in the fall. Then she met Thomas Jefferson Davis, a young, dashing prospector who was there to seek his fortune. Its a popular park for picnics and reunions. Its the parks highest point on a man-made island hill between ponds I and II. Net Worth, Measure Sam Skarsgrd Height, Siblings, Net Worth, Stella Jessica Olsson - Dirk Nowitzki's Wife Age, Height, Kate Bilos Biography: Age, Baby, Husband, Salar Who is actress Kelli Giddish from "Law & Order"? A $1 million investment in two engineers working in the basement of a dentists office in Boise made Mr. Simplot the largest shareholder in Micron Technology Inc., a major manufacturer of computer memory chips. Esther and J.R. traveled the world and moved in pretty fast circles at times. The early part of his career involved farming and the storage and distribution of fresh potatoes. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. During many years in business, Mr. Simplot consistently supported the growth of his company by reinvesting profits. H May 25, 2008, Boise, Idaho, United States, Esther Becker (m. 19722008), Ruby Rosevear (m. 19311960), Charles Richard Simplot, Dorothy Ann Haxby Simplot. The cleanup delayed the project several months. One of Mr. Simplot's researchers, Ray Dunlap, urged Mr. Simplot to give him a freeze box so he could practice freezing vegetables. He stepped down from that position in 1994 when his children, Don, Gay, and Scott, and one of his grandsons, Ted, were named members of the board of directors. After she graduated, she taught school for a bit but then decided to take her chances and head to New York City to pursue a singing career. R. Simplot was married to Ruby Adeline Rosevear for 29 years, and Esther Becker for 36 years. She died in October 1957 of leukemia. Its the site for some of the Treasure Valleys most beloved events, including Art in the Park a three-day art fair and sale that benefits the Boise Art Museum. Around this time, he had supplied more than half of all French fries for McDonalds; he also received awards for his contributions to the agriculture industry. Esther is related to Raine Grace Simplot and Scott R Simplot as well as 3 additional people. ", J.R. Simplot - billionaire school dropout who grew up in log cabin, Horoscope for Friday, 3/03/23 by Christopher Renstrom, No seriously, dont drive up to Tahoe this weekend, Snowboarder dies at Tahoe ski resort following historic blizzard, Horoscope for Saturday, 3/04/23 by Christopher Renstrom, Wife of Jeffrey Vandergrift issues somber update, The Warriors broke Russell Westbrook, just like old times, Oakland ransomware attackers leak 'confidential' data, Mochi muffin bakery closes SF cafe after just 4 months, Even Salesforces tower HQ isnt safe from office cuts, Scream publicity stunt floods Bay Area dispatch with 911 calls, The best fried chicken is at a San Francisco strip club. Ultimately, his businesses included fertilizer, oil, animal feed, seed, beef cattle and ski resorts from Chile to China. I find thats what life is a basket full of memories, Simplot says. Most recently they were married to Esther Becker in 1972. For his personal life, it is known that Simplot was married to Ruby Rosevear and they were married for 29 years, ending in 1960; they had four children Ruby suddenly left him for another man, apparently because he was spending so much time in his business. This database is free content to all. In 1941, he built a dehydrator and began processing large quantities of dehydrated potatoes and onions at a plant near Caldwell, Idaho. Esther Simplot Park, an expansive 55-acre site, encompasses approximately 23 acres of ponds suitable for fishing, wading and swimming. And I played a part in every step of it.. The 20-acre park site was dedicated in 2008. Your email address will not be published. A fresh take on sports: the biggest news and most entertaining lists. After many years of hard work, the Simplot Company developed a program that allows those french fries to be produced solely from potatoes grown in China rather than imported spuds. In the mid-1970s, Mr. Simplot was charged with trying to manipulate Maine potato futures. Late in life, Mr. Simplot still regularly drove his Lincoln Town Car (he owned a dealership) to a McDonalds outlet for an Egg McMuffin and hash browns or fries. J. R. Simplot was married twice. He is survived by his wife, the former Esther Becker ; two other sons, Don and The death was announced by Larry Hlobik, president and chief executive of the Simplot Co. Mr. Simplot became the 89th-richest American in Forbes magazine's 2007 list ($3.6 billion) by seizing opportunities, then perceiving how one success could lead logically to the next. The Simplot Company is credited with pioneering the first commercial frozen french fry in the late 1940s. The park features a large fountain, a playground, lighted softball diamonds, soccer and lacrosse fields, a disc golf course and more. It was closed in 2004. After loading his pigs, chickens and horses in two boxcars, his father moved the family to Idaho to homestead when Jack was a year old. 5 things to know about Ridge to Rivers trails: etiquette, hikes, more, New to Boise? He frequently was a commencement speaker for high schools and universities, and always relished the opportunity to speak to young people about the importance of a good education. Kathryn McCurry met Joe Albertson in chemistry class when they both were students at The College of Idaho in Caldwell in the mid-1920s. Municipal Park is a shady 28 acres along the banks of the Boise River. Due to differences with his father, JR left school in the eighth grade, and then left home at the age of 14. Within a decade, he was the largest shipper of potatoes in the West, with 33 warehouses in Oregon and Idaho. He began mining phosphate to supply his own fertilizer. Because he believed strongly in the importance of education, Mr. Simplot made significant donations to Idaho colleges and universities, as well as other institutions of learning. This free aquatic center will be a park system like no other, Holloway says. I still cant believe its really finished, and that it turned out so beautifully, and that people just love it, Simplot says. In the mid-1960s, Mr. Simplot signed a contract with Ray Kroc, who built McDonalds into an empire, to supply fries to Mr. Krocs chain. He used the rifle to shoot wild horses, which - after stripping the hides for future sale at $2 each - he mixed with potatoes and cooked on sagebrush-fueled flames. That was the beginning of their transcontinental courtship that would eventually bring her west. Since the parks opening in November, its quickly become a community touchstone. An early profit on some pigs allowed him to become a potato farmer, which led to sorting and then processing potatoes. The deal led to expansion of Simplot potato processing plants and construction in 1977 of a new plant at Hermiston, Ore. Thats why people like the beach there. Along with her husband, Marianne actively supports numerous civic organizations, often anonymously. The first board meetings were held in a pancake house in Boise. Chief calls it unacceptable, 5A state tournament opens with major upset. Also, Simplot in 1992 began producing french fries for McDonalds at the first potato processing plant in China. In 1967, he and McDonalds founder Ray Kroc agreed that Simplot would supply frozen French fries to the fast-food restaurant chain. The Academy is also one of the foremost artistic educational outreach programs in the city. The park project ran into delays in May 2015 when excavation crews discovered a large amount of refuse and construction waste including tires, asphalt, bricks, scrap metal and petroleum products while they were digging out Esther Simplot Pond II. In 1980, JR also expanded his wealth by providing capital for Micron Technology, and heavily investing in Remington Oil. WebHe is survived by his wife, Esther Becker Simplot; one daughter, Gay Simplot; two sons, Don and Scott; 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Alta Harris Community Park, Eckert Road northeast of Barber Park. When she died in 2002, Kathryn Albertson was known as one of the nations top philanthropists. He was especially proud of his contributions to the Idaho potato industry. He shipped potatoes in boxes made from wood from his own forests. Youll find artisan jewelry, ceramics, crafts and other festive items. She, J.R. and the Simplot family renovated three buildings on Myrtle Street between 8th and 9th streets as the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, the other Boise landmark that bears her name. That led to building the largest potato-dehydrating plant in the world, which enabled him to supply much of the dried potatoes and vegetables consumed by United States troops in World War II. How Meridian knocked off defending champs, Idaho Christian nationalists continue their assault on First Amendment rights | Opinion, Boise State commit carries Pocatello; Skyview wins defensive battle in 4A quarterfinals, Knives, black clothing: Unsealed warrants reveal what PA police took from Kohberger home, Making plans for August? Larry Williams is the founder and president of the Idaho Timber Company and Tree Top Ranches. He and Warren Buffet were on the Forbes 400 list in 2007, although Buffet was much farther up the list. He said, You just had a sunny smile and were fun to converse with. I think there was a spark right from the beginning. Other future plans include creating the Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park in 2018 between the south side of Quinns Pond and the College of Western Idaho campus proposed for the corner of Main Street and Whitewater Park Boulevard. It was a very quiet office, so he was an unusual person and that got my attention. Thomas Davis didnt discover gold, but with Julias help he became one of the most successful farmers and ranchers in the region. Another son, Richard, preceded him in death in 1993. Jack assumed the title of chairman emeritus. Within the parks cool grassy boundaries youll find Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum, Memorial Rose Garden, the Idaho Historical Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, a playground, tennis courts, the Gene Harris Bandshell and acres of shaded grass, picnic tables and walking paths. Mr. Simplot won, and expanded to all phases of the potato industry. I hope people will stop and take a moment here and think about their friends.. J.R. Simplot, a billionaire who grew up in a sod-roofed log cabin and dropped out of school at 14, then marshaled luck, spunk and inventiveness to fashion an entrepreneurial career that included developing the first commercial frozen french fry, died on Sunday at his home in Boise, Idaho. They were last married in 1972 to Esther Becker. Becoming Mrs. Simplot was challenging, she says. At 14, Jack, by his own account, left home after his father refused to let him attend a basketball game. Required fields are marked *. Today, under the new name of Grower Solutions, about 80 of the stores are providing agronomic products and services to growers in the West and Midwest. JR Simplot was the founder of the J.R. Simplot Company and he has an estimated net worth of $3.7 billion. The park named for her is the cherry on top of her already storied legacy. J. R. Simplot was first married in 1931 to Ruby Adeline Rosevear. He made me laugh, but he also made me very nervous, she says. We thought that we the greater we of Boise needed to grab this golden opportunity.. In the fall of 2018, the river will be diverted into Farmers Union Canal, and work will begin north of the Garden City-to-Boise footbridge and the existing Wave Shaper to build another Wave Shaper and two more in-river water features. But Mr. Simplot bought Dunlap a large freezer anyway, and a few months later, Mr. Simplot tasted hot French fries that had been frozen. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. The various professional organizations host an array of youth organizations, including the Treasure Valley Youth Symphony, the Ballet Idaho Youth Ensemble, and an Opera Idaho outreach program. FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the practices disclosed in our privacy policy. The end result will be something similar to Kellys Whitewater Park in Cascade. He donated the land for the East Boise park in 2005 to honor his wife, an avid volunteer at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center who also worked to enrich the lives of senior citizens as the manager of a senior housing complex. This park is a departure from the Ribbon of Jewels tradition. John Richard Simplot, usually called Jack, was born Jan. 4, 1909, in Dubuque, Iowa. Her husband, Maurice, owned Quinn Robbins construction and donated the land for the park in 1997. Facilities Motor Restriction No Boat Ramp No Dock No Toilet No Campground No ADA Access Handicap Accessible John Richard Simplot, usually called Jack, was born on Jan. 4, 1909, in Dubuque, Iowa. To this day she is resolute in her support of Boises arts community. Other Simplot fertilizer manufacturing operations include plants located in California at Lathrop and Helm, in addition to the original Pocatello facility. John Richard Simplot was born on 4 January 1909, in Dubuque, Iowa USA, of English and French descent, and was a businessman and entrepreneur, best known for founding the agricultural supplier company JR Simplot Company in Boise, Idaho, which specialized in potato products. He then went on to assist in the rise of the McDonalds empire as the companys main supplier of French fries. Its such a great gathering place, accessible. WebSculpture includes four figures. Esther Simplot Parks design enhances the natural landscape of the nearby Boise River. In 1967, Jack Simplot shook hands with McDonalds founder Ray Kroc, and the two agreed that the Simplot Company would provide frozen french fries to the restaurant chain. Then later on he called and asked if I wanted to go to dinner and a show. He served on the board of directors of Micron Technology, Idaho Power Company, McDonalds Corporation, Independent Coal and Coke Company, First Security Corporation and Continental Life and Accident Company. In 1945, Mr. Simplot opened the first of the Simplot Soilbuilder farm service centers in Idaho and Oregon. WebEsther Simplot Park, home to Quinns and Esther Simplot Pond, has expanded over the last few years into a popular recreational park, perfect for summer fun. WebEsther Simplot has become synonymous with the performing arts in Boise since moving here in 1972 as the wife of industrialist J. R. Simplot. She created a culture that she is singularly responsible for over her lifetime here, and we all benefit from it., Here you may breathe the fragrance of friendship. He became one of the richest people in the US at the time, and all of his efforts helped put his net worth to where it was prior to his passing in 2008. Hell, Mr. Simplot answered, according to an article in Range magazine in 1998, you freeze spuds and they will go to mush.. )>%$_I ko WebLocation Details Esther Simplot 3206 Pleasanton Ave Boise, ID, 83702 Facility: Esther Simplot Central Pavilion. There is just so much opportunity for engagement, Holloway says about the parks layout. The Statesman, in its obituary, detailed Mr. Simplot's almost ostentatiously modest style: He wore the same pair of glasses for 30 years and did not fix his car's brakes because he did not want to spend the money. Actress: Alone Together. Wenk got the project going and brought a lot of great ideas to the table but dropped out after the initial design phase, and Simplot stepped in personally and worked closely with project manager Lillian Bowen. And we started advertising potatoes long before anybody else, he added. He is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter his eldest son passed away in 1993. People are not going to be enthusiastic about jumping into cold water, Simplot says. Mon 9am - 5pmTue 9am - 5pmWed 9am - 5pmThr 9am - 5pmFri 9am - 5pm, 816 W Bannock St, Ste 310Boise, ID 83702 208-385-7300, Downtown Boise Foundation 501(c)(3) Nonprofit. They broke ground on the park in February 2015. Oh, hell, I dont care what they say about me; Im not a publicity hound, he responded with a laugh. W&P Porter bowl review: A container that makes office HOKA dropped a brand new version of their most popular shoe, 10 beach essentials to pack for a spring break vacation, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Here are 5 things to know about Idahos quirky traffic laws, Hey, newcomer: Here are 5 Idaho icons to learn about. At 14, Jack, by his own account, left home after his father refused to let him attend a basketball game. J. R. Simplot was divorced from The park will offer sports fields, a playground, restrooms, picnic shelters, walking paths and a connection to the Greenbelt. He used this profit to buy a rifle, an old truck and either 600 or 700 hogs (accounts vary) at $1 a head. The company is an agricultural supplier specializing in potato products founded in 1929 and is based in Boise, Idaho. Youll sound like a local. We have the Wave Shaper, and thats great, but the beach has made a huge difference. In 2016, Mayor Dave Bieter renamed Boise Municipal Park for Boises three-time gold medal-winning Olympic cyclist Kristin Armstrong. When were the Simplots going to be able to do something quite so important in one fell swoop? says Scott Simplot, J.R.s youngest son. And the fact that its free is amazing. In 2003, the development company wanted to sell the community ice rink to the city for $1 million, significantly less than its estimated $12 million value. That kind of ingenuity and determination continued during the early 1950s as the Simplot Company created and marketed the first commercially viable frozen french fries in the world. He used the rifle to shoot wild horses, which after stripping the hides for future sale at $2 each he mixed with potatoes and cooked on sagebrush-fueled flames. In 2007, JR had an accident, falling from a motorized scooter and suffering from cranial hematoma. We obtain this information from publically accessible sources and endeavor to make sure it's correct. He divested himself of his holdings in Carnegie Steel Company and turned his fortune toward philanthropy. On warm afternoons, families set up umbrellas and pack the beaches. Bernadine Quinn Riverside Park, between Quinns Pond and Main Street. A potato plant built at Heyburn, Idaho, in 1960 was closed in 2003. French fry production began at the Caldwell plant in 1946, and subsequently expanded with potato processing operations in Aberdeen and Nampa, Idaho; Othello and Moses Lake, Wash.; and Grand Forks, North Dakota. That project is funded by the J.A. I can see a thousand sacks per acre around the corner. He was behind the development of the first frozen French fries which turned him into a tycoon with more than $3 billion from a teenager who only had $80 in his pocket. A one-time farm boy who never went to high school, he built a personal fortune in agribusiness that Forbes Magazine estimated at $2.6 billion in 2006. But its a blessing in the long run. He developed the 153-acre park, and then deeded it to the city. For Esther Simplot, its been a life of amazing surprises. All of his achievements ensured the position of his wealth. They married in 1871, and she became one of Idahos early pioneer women. After they argued, they flipped a coin for full ownership. John Richard Jack Simplot died peacefully at his home in Boise May 25 with Esther, his wife of 36 years, by his side. WebEsther Simplot (Becker) (1910 - d.) - Genealogy Esther Simplot Back to Simplot surname View Complete Profile view all Immediate Family John Richard Simplot "Hell," Mr. Simplot answered, according to an article in Range magazine in 1998, "you freeze spuds and they will go to mush.". Mr. Simplot promised to build an entire factory just for McDonald's. People love it so much and we are so busy. Jack bought them at 50 cents on the dollar and sold them to a bank for 90 cents on the dollar. J.R. 'Jack' Simplot began his colorful career at the age of 14 when he quit school and went into business on his own in 1923, near the small farming community of Declo, Idaho. An Idaho native, Ann Daly married Harry Morrison in 1914, two years after Harry co-founded a construction firm with Morris Knudsen. After loading his pigs, chickens and horses in two boxcars, his father moved the family to Idaho to homestead when Jack was a year old.