James Lee Gifford, age 86, passed on the morning of August 12, 2022, in his sleep surrounded by loved ones and holding the hand of his eternal companion, Carolyn.

Lee was born April 8, 1936, in Jerome Idaho to James Edward and Mary Alice Gifford. He is the oldest of 6 children.

Following his graduation from Jerome High School in 1954, Lee enlisted in the Navy where he served for 4 years on the USS-Macon (CA-132).

After his service in the Navy, he enrolled at Brigham Young University (BYU). At BYU he met and later married Carolyn Funk on March 19, 1959.  He graduated with a Master of Arts from BYU. In 1961 he began his career as a speech, drama, and communications professor at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) which continued for the next 37 years.

He was a founding owner of the Playmill Theater in West Yellowstone; lectured widely for the Church Education System; co-authored the "Edlee Game of Self-Concept"; wrote As Man Now Is ; was the technical director at the Idaho Falls Civic Auditorium; sold rings and things to unsuspecting college students; and had a successful wood flooring side hustle. And we can't forget the milk and eggs that were sold to local folk to fund his children's various activities.

Following his retirement 1998, he and Carolyn served several service missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including at Martin's Cove and Heber Valley Camp. He served faithfully in many church callings during his life.

He enjoyed fly tying, fishing, leather work and making wooden furniture and toys for his family. Additionally, he was a generous golfing partner, allowing others to shoot lower scores.

He and Carolyn fielded a full baseball team of children. He is survived by Brent (Debbie), Kevin, Shaunna (Russ Rubert), Layne (Holly), Anjeanette (Joel Anderson), Brooke (Zachary Bailey), Mitchell (Rebekah) and Whitney (Stacie). He was preceded in death by a son, Lance, who has been serving as manager-in the-sky since 1967. The farm teams include 47 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.

He was also proceeded in death by his parents and brother Edwin. His siblings that survive him are Dee (Billie), Alice (Roy Buhler), Jessie (Kathy) and Donald (Kathy).

A viewing will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Flamm Funeral Home, 61 N 1 ^st E, Rexburg, Idaho, and on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 10:00-10:45 a.m. in the Rexburg Center Stake Chapel prior to the service. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Rexburg Center Stake Chapel located at 590 Summerwood Dr, Rexburg. In lieu of flowers, please go enjoy some Oreo's and a glass of milk!

Services may be viewed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/lee-gifford