James Wallace Price

James Wallace Price May 28, 1931 – May 8, 2025

James Wallace Price, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 8, 2025, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 93.

James was born on May 28, 1931, in Driggs, Idaho to Vandes Alonzo and Vera Knight Price. James was the youngest of 4 children, Sister Alice, Brothers Dale and George.

He was raised in a founding pioneer family of Teton Valley where he learned the value of gospel centered living and hard honest work. James grew up around family and cousins, who were his greatest friends. James spent his formative years in Driggs, where he completed his primary education and attended Teton High School, participating in music, football, basketball, baseball, track and boxing whereas a freshman he was a State Champion in the 101 lb weight class. As a junior in High School, while attending a music festival in Twin Falls, a beautiful young girl from Rexburg, Marlene Terry caught his eye. Thus began a long-distance relationship. James also served as Teton High School’s Student Body President and graduated in 1949. Go Redskins! From a very early age, James worked at the family store, Price Mercantile and in the family ranching and farming operations.

James attended the University of Idaho where he played on their football and basketball teams. In James’ second year of college, he finally convinced the love of his life Marlene Terry to marry him. They were sealed together on August 27th, 1952, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

After graduating from the University of Idaho, James honorably served his country in the United States Air Force, living in Cheyenne Wyoming and Hutchison Kansas. While stationed in Hutchison, he served as the Branch President for his local LDS congregation. After service, he returned to Teton Valley where he was a successful rancher and farmer with his brother Dale Price as well as an Insurance Agent. Much of James’ life was spent serving the Lord and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. James served as Bishop in the Driggs First Ward for many years and treasured his time spent with the youth. James and Marlene served as temple workers in the Idaho Falls and Rexburg temples for many years. Their commitment to temple work was exemplified by their early morning drives, often beginning at 2:30 am, to ensure their 5:00 am shift start. In 1998 they were called to serve in the Dallas Texas Temple Mission. They loved the temple and treasured their time and service together.

James & Marlene will be remembered for their unwavering dedication to their family. You would find them traveling many late nights on snow covered roads to make sure no ballgame, baptism, graduation, mission farewell or any grandchild events were ever missed. Our family always new grandpa & grandma would be there with a bag of M&M’s out of the trunk of the car for each grandchild. Our father, grandpa, Gpa will always be a legend to us. His hard work, service, honesty and the love of all friends and strangers (never passing anyone without a smile and hello!) left a lasting impression on everyone.

James is survived by his children Layne (Cindy) Twin Falls Idaho, Jim (Viki) Layton, Utah, Terry Bergeson (Larry) St. George, Utah, Karen Potter (David) Idaho Falls, Idaho. 16 Grandchildren and 31.5 great grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marlene Price; parents, Vandes Alonzo and Vera Knight Price; brothers Dale and George; sister, Alice Price Sessions, two infant children and granddaughter Jennifer Price.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at Fairwinds Sand Creek in Idaho Falls and Legacy Village in St. George as well as Dixie Hospice of St. George. Special thanks to Max and JoAnn Woolstenhulme, many neighbors, close friends and the Driggs LDS 3rd Ward.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM Wed May 28th at the Driggs LDS Stake Center , 221 N. 100 E. with Bishop Brody Birch of the Driggs LDS 3rd Ward officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday May 27th and Wed prior to the service from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM. Interment will be in the Cache Clawson Cemetery under the direction of McArthur Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent online to the family at www. mcarthurfuneralservices.com