John W. “Jack” Barrett
John W. “Jack” Barrett
John W. “Jack” Barrett died on June 28, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving family after a short but courageous fight with cancer. Jack was born on August 23, 1931, in Ellendale, North Dakota. Jack’s mother, Edith Barrett, was a school teacher, principal and librarian raising Jack and his older brother, Charlie Barrett, in Ellendale, Horace and Minot, North Dakota. Jack often commented on his childhood in North Dakota recalling difficult winters, economic hard times and childhood jobs on farms, at grain mills or in construction. The family moved from Horace to Minot where Jack graduated high school and attended Minot State Teacher’s college prior to the draft board contacting him during the Korean Conflict. Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force and following boot camp and basic training as a radio transmitter mechanic, was stationed overseas at Chitosi, Hokkaido, Japan. After his service overseas, Jack was stationed at Dow A.F.B. in Bangor, Maine. While stationed at Dow A.F.B., Jack met his future wife, Marilyn Light, who was working as a part-time waitress at a diner Jack frequented near the air base. Jack was honorably discharged from the Air Force and moved to Moscow, Idaho where he attended the University of Idaho obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in business. After earning his undergraduate degree, Jack returned to Maine and married Marilyn on June 17, 1956. Following their marriage, Jack and Marilyn resided in Moscow, Idaho where Jack attended law school, graduating in 1959. Jack and Marilyn were married for 52 years. During their wonderful marriage Jack and Marilyn were blessed with four children, Kim (Cedric) Minter, Charles (DeAnna) Barrett, Laura (Clay) Shockley, Jonna (Jason) Brewer and ten grandchildren, Kellan and Preston Minter; Tyler, Bailey and Hannah Barrett; Ashley, Hunter and Myles Brewer; and John and Elizabeth Shockley.
Jack was a founding partner in the law firm Moffatt, Thomas, Barrett, Rock & Fields, Chtd. Jack was a distinguished lawyer who received numerous awards and recognitions among which include: Member of American Academy of Appellate Lawyers; Fourth District Bar Association President - 1975-1976; A founding member of the Idaho Association of Defense Counsel; Member of the Idaho Industrial Commission Advisory Committee; Former member of the Idaho Judicial Council; Recipient of the Idaho State Bar Association Professionalism Award - 2006; Recipient of the Idaho State Bar - 50 years in practice award - 2009; and President Elect, American Inn of Court #130, 2010-1011. Jack loved the law and his legal career and was always willing to provide answers to legal issues raised by fellow lawyers or offer words of encouragement to young lawyers. Jack shared many stories with family and friends of loading boxes of files into the trunk of his car and trying cases all across Idaho, often being on the road for a month at a time. In addition to an active trial practice, Jack enjoyed appellate practice and at one point held the dubious distinction of having the most appearances before the Idaho Supreme Court than any other Idaho licensed attorney. During the 1996 Idaho legislative session Jack was instrumental in the passage of the Farm Worker’s Bill which brought farm workers under Idaho’s worker’s compensation statutory provisions. Jack was also heavily involved in the foundation of Kids’ Chance of Idaho, Inc. a non-profit organization assisting children of injured or deceased Idaho workers with financial assistance for college education.
In addition to his exceptional legal career, Jack enjoyed raising quarter horses and participating with his children in organizations such as AQHA, EHCAPA, 4-H and attending numerous horse shows across the western United States. Jack and his daughters traveled to several world AQHA shows in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jack was known for making the drive from Boise to Tulsa and back, in record time, stopping only for gas, food, water for the horses and to find a pay phone to call-in to his legal assistant of 34 years, Janet Yerrington, in order to discuss his cases and developments while out of his office. No matter how busy at the office, Jack never missed any of children’s activities, a tradition carried over to attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, academic awards presentations, band concerts, talent shows and dance recitals.
To those that knew him, Jack was a remarkable man with an incredible work ethic. To himself, Jack was humble and often remarked that he was “just a farm boy from North Dakota.” Jack truly enjoyed all aspects of his life as a husband, father, grandfather, lawyer and friend. He will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate to have their lives touched by him. The family suggests that donations be made in Jack’s name c/o Janet Yerrington to Kids’ Chance of Idaho, Inc., P.O. Box 829, Boise, Idaho 83701; The Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splc.org or Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 6571, Boise, Idaho 83707. The Barrett family extends heart-felt gratitude to Dr. Bollinger, Jack’s primary care physician and St. Luke’s hospice for their love and care of Jack.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at the Alden Waggoner Chapel, 5400 W. Fairview, Boise, Idaho. Following the memorial service Moffatt, Thomas, Barrett, Rock & Fields, Chtd. will host a reception in Jack’s honor at the Boise Centre on the Grove, in the Waters Room, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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