John Thomas "J.T." Beech, 85, of Wilford, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Life Care Center of Idaho Falls on March 11, 2017.



J.T. was born December 5, 1931 in St. Anthony, Idaho to Viola Ricks and Thomas Lyle Beech. He was the youngest of 4 children and joined 3 older sisters, Helen, Maxine and Shirleen. J.T. grew up on the family farm in Wilford and learned farming from his dad. He attended first through eighth grade in the Wilford grade school and graduated from Sugar Salem High School where he excelled in football and basketball. He held various leadership positions in FFA and traveled with the Idaho 'Delegates to the national FFA convention in Kansas City.



J.T. briefly attended Ricks College after which he began his life a full time farmer. He married Marilyn Rae Dayton on June 8, 1955 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and spent most of their married life in Wilford on the family farm. J.T. and Marilyn were blessed with 3 children, 1 girl and 2 boys: Michelle (Nicholas) Blake of Mesa, AZ; Scott Beech of Pocatello, ID; and Michael (Kori) Beech of Albuquerque, NM. They also have 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He and Marilyn loved traveling to spend time with their children and grandchildren.



To J.T. his vocation was his vacation. He loved farming. In the fields was where he learned to work hard and he took great pride in all aspects of the simple farming life. Due to Marilyn and J.T.'s hard work the Beech farm was designated as an Idaho Centennial Farm in 1999. The outdoors was where he was the most comfortable. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends at the lower pasture on the Snake River.



He had a passion for collecting Winchester guns and memorabilia. He loved to travel to gun shows where he could display, trade and sell. Through J.T. and Marilyn's travels to the gun shows, they met and made life-long friendships and created many great memories.



J.T. took his civic responsibilities very seriously. He served as a Fremont Count School Board member for 9 years, Election board representative for 34 years, Wilford Canal Board for 20 years and Fremont County Fair Board member for 5 years. J.T. also worked with many youth groups as an athletic coach. J.T. and Marilyn loved attending and supporting the local high school sports teams.



He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters.



Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, March 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Wilford LDS Chapel (215 N. 2400 E., St. Anthony) with Bishop John Sharp officiating. Friends may visit on Friday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 and again on Saturday from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. both times at the church. Burial will be in the Wilford Cemetery under the direction of Bert Flamm Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com.