Darvil Kim Black, 74, passed away peacefully in his home in Rexburg on December 11, 2011. Kim was born on June 10, 1937, in Richfield, Utah to Alonzo and Hazel McInelly Black. He graduated from Wayne High School, and served an LDS mission to the Gulf States. He was married to his sweetheart, Janita Torgerson in the Manti Temple on September 17, 1960.

Kim earned an A.S. from Dixie College, a B.S. from Utah State University, a M.S. from the University of South Dakota, and a PhD from Oregon State University. He taught at Jordan High School before coming to Ricks College in 1967. He taught at Ricks College for 32 years where he was instrumental in starting the horticulture program as well as the arboretum and horticulture gardens that are still enjoyed by many on campus today. After retiring from Ricks he taught part time for the University of Idaho for three years.

Kim was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving in multiple church callings throughout his life including the first bishop of the Rexburg 13th Ward. Kim and Jan served a church mission on Vashon Island, Washington for two years and an eighteen month mission to Madagascar on Mauritius Island. He served nine years as an ordinance worker in the Idaho Falls and Rexburg Temples. At the time of his death, Kim was serving as a Gospel Doctrine and High Priest teacher. Kim and Jan were also serving as ordinance workers in the Rexburg Temple and as missionaries at the LDS Employment Center. He exemplified this love of service to everyone around him, especially his children and grandchildren.

Kim had a passion for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, gardening, and horseback riding. He took the most pleasure in these activities when the time was spent with his family and friends. Kim also had a talent for woodworking and leatherwork; he was always building projects for his wife, children and grandchildren. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, his answer was, "My family." Kim looked for the positive in every situation and his personal motto was, "Life is good."

Kim is survived by his wife, Janita; children, Kim (Lisa) Black of Star, ID, Brent (Charlene) Black of Logan, UT, Janine (Nathan) Mo'o of Syracuse, UT, Randy (Chandra) Black of Nampa, ID, Andrew (Becky) Black of New Plymouth, ID, Karna (Jared) Kunz of Idaho Falls, ID, and Thomas (Torri) Black of Rexburg; 24 grandchildren; and a brother, Boyd Black of Torrey, UT. Kim was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings, and a son Bryan Black.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 16, at 11 a.m. at the Henry's Fork Stake Center (1508 West 3000 North). The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home and from 10 – 10:45 a.m. at the church before services. Interment will be at the Rexburg Cemetery.