O.J. Fox

Orrin Jeffrey “O.J.” Fox, 80, of Meridian, Idaho, died at home on November 19, 2023.

He was born December 28, 1942, in Tacoma, Washington, to Fay and Mildred Fox. He was the middle child of nine children. Orrin graduated from Yelm High School before joining the Air Force in 1961.

Orrin was devoted to his family and was happiest when he was with them. He always expressed his love and pride for them. He adored his wife and often said life really got good once his kids came along. He brought so much joy to everyday life by constantly joking, making up games, and finding little ways to show his love.

To say Orrin was a hard worker would be an understatement, and providing for his family was paramount to him. For many years, he worked three physically demanding jobs at the same time. But no matter how tired he was in his off time, he would always prioritize spending time with his family over sleeping (and he would sometimes do both at once).

Through decades of health issues and dozens of surgeries, Orrin always kept a positive attitude and didn’t let his condition get him down. He loved to entertain his doctors and nurses with jokes and stories and they often told him he was their favorite patient. He used his health problems as an opportunity to share his faith with many people.

Orrin was a huge fan of the Boise State Broncos and recorded every game. He loved movies and spent much of his time in retirement enjoying his collection of films. He was artistic and creative, and loved to labor over the handmade greeting cards he created for his family and friends. He loved to cook, and one of his favorite ways to show his love was to feed people. He ran “O.J.s Cafe” at his church on Wednesday nights, and, for his family, he made the world’s best pancakes — always from scratch.

Orrin was good-natured, positive, optimistic, and enthusiastic. He always supported, encouraged, and built up others. He was able to find joy in the smallest things and loved to share his joy with those around him. For most, he will probably be best remembered for his incredible sense of humor and how he used it to make people happy. He was devoted to God and loved his church.

Orrin was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings and is survived by his wife Evelyn Thomason Fox, his son and daughter-in-law Lance Fox and Wikwik Widyawati, and his daughter and son-in-law Chantel Fox and Rowdy Stinnett.