J. R. Simplot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. R. "Jack" Simplot
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| Born |
John Richard Simplot
January 4, 1909 Dubuque, Iowa, U.S.
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| Died | May 25, 2008 (aged 99) Boise, Idaho, U.S.
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| Resting place | Morris Hill Cemetery, Boise, Idaho |
| Education | Eighth grade dropout |
| Known for | Founder of the J. R. Simplot Company |
| Spouse(s) |
Ruby Adeline Rosevear
(m. 1931; div. 1960)Esther Becker
(m. 1972) |
| Children | 4, including Scott |
John Richard Simplot (born January 4, 1909 – died May 25, 2008) was a smart American businessman. He was best known for starting the J. R. Simplot Company. This company, based in Boise, Idaho, sells farm products, especially potato items. In 2007, he was one of the richest people in the United States. When he passed away at age 99 in 2008, he was the oldest billionaire on the Forbes 400 list.
Contents
Early Life and Big Ideas
John Richard Simplot was born in Dubuque, Iowa. He was one of six children. In 1910, his family moved to Idaho to start a farm. This area was called the Magic Valley and had new irrigation systems.
When he was 14, in 1923, Simplot left school after the eighth grade. He then worked on a farm near Declo, Idaho. He came up with a clever way to feed hogs cheaply. He used wild horse meat and potatoes. When the market improved, he sold his hogs for a good profit. This led him into the potato and vegetable business.
The J. R. Simplot Company
By World War II, the J. R. Simplot Company was the biggest seller of fresh potatoes in the country.
French Fries for McDonald's
In 1967, Simplot made a deal with McDonald's founder Ray Kroc. They shook hands on a plan for Simplot to supply frozen french fries to McDonald's. Before this, restaurants cut their own potatoes for fries. But the best potatoes, called russet potatoes, were not available all year.
Simplot found a way to supply frozen russet potatoes all year long. By 1972, all McDonald's fries were frozen. This deal helped Simplot build more potato processing plants. By 2005, Simplot provided more than half of all french fries for the fast food chain. The company also makes fertilizers for farms.
Leadership and New Ventures
Simplot stopped being president of his company in 1973. But he stayed as chairman until 1994. He was chairman emeritus until he died in 2008. He received an honorary degree from Utah State University in 2001. This honored his many contributions to farming in America.
The J.R. Simplot Company also helped start Micron Technology in the early 1980s. Micron Technology is a company in Boise, Idaho, that makes computer memory chips. In 1994, Simplot owned a big part of this company. He also invested in Remington Oil.
Supporting Ski Areas
In 1961, Simplot helped pay for the Brundage Mountain ski area near McCall, Idaho. The Simplot Company sold its share of Brundage in 2006. In the early 1950s, Simplot also helped the Bogus Basin ski area near Boise when it needed money. The main lodge there is named after him.
In 1995, the J.R. Simplot Company grew into Australia. It bought popular food brands like Birds Eye and Leggo's.
Family Life
Simplot's first wife was Ruby Rosevear. They met on a blind date and married in 1931. They had four children. Their marriage ended in 1960. Simplot later said he didn't spend enough time with his family while building his business.
He met his second wife, Esther Becker, in New York City in the mid-1960s. She was an opera singer. They married in 1972.
Before he died, Simplot and Esther lived in downtown Boise. They gave their home in Boise to the state of Idaho in 2004. It was meant to be the governor's mansion.
Health and Passing
On January 1, 2007, Simplot had an accident. He fell from a motorized scooter at a football game. He hurt his head and spent his 98th birthday in the hospital. He recovered and returned home.
Simplot died suddenly at his home on May 25, 2008. He was 99 years old. He had been recovering from pneumonia. He passed away just after inviting a friend to play cards.
Simplot was survived by his wife, Esther, and three of his children: Don, Scott, and Gay. His oldest son, Richard, had passed away in 1993. Simplot was buried in Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise.
In 1996, Simplot was honored by being added to the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Awards and Honors
- Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement (1967)
- Hall of Great Westerners of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1996)
- Honorary degree from Utah State University in Logan (2001)
See also
- Jack's Urban Meeting Place (JUMP)
