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), known to many as "Jack," was a very successful American businessman. He founded the J. R. Simplot Company, which is famous for its potato products and other agricultural supplies. In 2007, he was one of the richest people in the United States. He was also the oldest billionaire on the Forbes 400 list when he passed away at 99 years old in 2008.
Contents
The Story of J. R. Simplot
Early Life and Big Ideas
Jack Simplot was born in Dubuque, Iowa. He was the third of six children in his family. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Idaho. They settled in the Magic Valley, an area that had recently been irrigated.
At 14, in 1923, Jack left school after the eighth grade. He started working on a farm. He came up with a clever way to feed hogs using wild horse meat and potatoes. When the market for hogs improved, he sold them for a good profit. This early success led him into the business of processing potatoes and other vegetables.
Building a Potato Empire
By the time World War II began, the J. R. Simplot Company had grown a lot. It became the biggest supplier of fresh potatoes in the entire country.
French Fries for Everyone
A big moment for the company came in 1967. Jack Simplot made a deal with Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's Corporation. They agreed that Simplot would provide frozen french fries to all McDonald's restaurants. Before this, restaurants had to cut fresh potatoes for fries every day. However, the best kind of potato, the Russet Burbank, was not available all year.
Simplot's frozen fries solved this problem. McDonald's could now have delicious russet potato fries every day of the year. By 1972, all McDonald's fries were frozen. This deal helped the Simplot Company build more potato processing plants. By 2005, Simplot supplied more than half of all french fries for the famous fast-food chain. The company also makes fertilizers to help farmers grow crops.
Jack Simplot stepped down as president of his company in 1973. He remained chairman until 1994 and then chairman emeritus until his death. In 2001, he received an honorary degree from Utah State University. This award recognized his many important contributions to farming in America.
In 1976, a situation involving potato trading caused a big stir in the market. A large number of potato contracts were involved, and it led to significant financial difficulties for some traders. This event highlighted the need for better rules in commodity trading. As a result, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission was created to help prevent similar problems in the future.
Beyond Potatoes: Other Ventures
Jack Simplot also invested in other businesses. In the early 1980s, his company helped start Micron Technology. This company, based in Boise, Idaho, makes computer memory chips. By 1994, Simplot owned a large part of Micron Technology. He also invested in an oil company called Remington Oil.
Simplot also supported local recreation. In 1961, he helped fund the Brundage Mountain ski area in Idaho. He also helped the Bogus Basin ski area near Boise when it faced financial challenges. Today, a lodge at Bogus Basin is named in his honor.
In 1995, the J.R. Simplot Company expanded its business to Australia. There, it acquired well-known food brands like Birds Eye and Leggo's.
A Life of Family and Giving
Jack Simplot married Ruby Rosevear in 1931. They had four children together. Their marriage ended in 1960. Years later, Jack shared that he wished he had spent more time with his family while building his business.
He later met Esther Becker, a former opera singer. They married in 1972. Before he passed away, Jack and Esther lived in downtown Boise. In 2004, they generously donated their beautiful hilltop home to the state of Idaho. It was intended to be used as the governor's mansion.
Later Years and Legacy
On January 1, 2007, Jack Simplot had an accident while at a football game. He fell and suffered a head injury. He recovered and returned home to Idaho for further care.
Jack Simplot passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2008, at the age of 99. His wife was by his side. He had been recovering from a sickness.
He was survived by his wife, Esther, two sons, Don and Scott, and his daughter, Gay. His eldest son, Richard, had passed away earlier in 1993. Jack Simplot was buried in Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise.
In 1996, Jack Simplot was recognized for his contributions to the American West. He was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
Awards and Recognitions
- 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)
