James Paul "Jim" Murgoitio

Jim Murgoitio passed away peacefully at home after a battle with illness on May 29, 2026. Jim was born in Boise, Idaho on August 1, 1947 to Joe and Ruth Murgoitio. The oldest of four siblings, Jim quickly learned the value of hard work, laboring with his family to build a successful farm and feedlot in Meridian, Idaho. Growing up in rural Meridian, he met his lifelong partner, Lea, in 4th grade at Hillsdale school which was a two room schoolhouse. Jim loved sports, excelling at football, baseball and track at Meridian High School. A favorite memory was winning the 4x400 relay at the Idaho State Track Meet his senior year. Jim took his athletic prowess to college, where he competed in football at BSU, while Lea was cheerleader. The two married in 1967. This dynamic continued throughout their long marriage, Jim the serious worker with Lea bringing levity and fun. Following Lea’s lead, he earned a degree in education, and began a 30 year career as a teacher, coach and administrator for the West Ada school district. Jim’s love of sports served him well as he coached football and later became the head track coach at Meridian High. He loved the camaraderie of teaching and coaching, and made many lifelong friends in the halls and on the practice fields of Lowell Scott, Lake Hazel, Meridian and Eagle High Schools. Later in his career, he sacrificed his love of coaching to become a Vice Principal, where he served as a father figure to hundreds of teens. He sought to help those who came from difficult circumstances to graduate from high school, setting them on a path for success as they moved to adulthood.

Jim essentially worked two jobs for much of his life, as he assisted at the Murgoitio feedlot during the summer and in the evenings after school. He demonstrated an unrelenting work ethic and ability to endure difficult conditions (heat, cold, dust, bugs) his entire life. He shared a close relationship with his fellow worker and brother Gary, who was a race car driver. He loved to tell stories of working on cars in the pit at Meridian Speedway while Gary was racing.

Jim and Lea settled in Meridian near Lea’s parents and raised four kids: Jayson, Monica, Marce and David, all of whom sought to live up to their Dad’s high standards and to excel in athletics and academics. Some of their favorite memories are playing sports with their dad watching in the stands. He was very proud that all of his children earned college degrees.

Jim retired in 2003 and enjoyed many hunting expeditions with his sons and coaching buddies. He loved the outdoors and exploring the rugged mountains of Idaho, especially the Sawtooths. Jim was a loyal friend, and loved nothing more than to work on a friend’s project. He spent many afternoons building decks, fixing fences and helped construct multiple cabins. When not working, a favorite weekly ritual was Monday coffee with his pals.

Jim was blessed with 10 grandchildren and celebrated each addition to the family. He spent many hours on the floor playing with toddlers and later watching them participate in many school activities. He loved the loud family gatherings when over 20 people filled his house with laughter and singing.

Jim was a humble man who worked hard and earned the respect of those who knew him. He was a man of faith, and raised his family in the Catholic Church. He taught his children to be frugal, to be appreciative of their many opportunities, and to treat everyone with respect. He loved BSU football, laughing at Seinfeld and eating ice cream. He will be dearly missed.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Lea (Griat) Murgoitio, sister Mary Jo (Scott) Dickson, sister-in-law Linda (Gary) Murgoitio. Children: Jayson (wife Shanon, children JD and Mara) Murgoitio, Monica (husband Scott, daughters Emilia, Julia, and Micaela) Anders, Marce (husband Ben, children Rob, Marisa and Colby) Cadwallader, David (wife Phetsy, daughters Pearl and Winnie) Murgoitio. He was very proud of his large extended family, including much loved cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Ruth Murgoitio, sister Christine Warner, brother Gary Murgoitio and beloved in-laws Lee and Fae Griat.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 9 at Accent Funeral Home in Meridian from 6-8pm. On Thursday June 11, services will be held at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 6300 N Meridian Rd. A Rosary will begin at 10:00AM, with a Funeral mass at 11:00am, followed by a reception at the Church. Live streaming is available: https://www.holyapostlesmeridian.net/Mass In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Vincent de Paul. https://www.svdpid.org/donate