Ron Shockley

He played football for Babe Cassia and boxed for Dubby Holt at Idaho State University.  In 1960, he was one of the best amateur boxers in America, losing the Olympic Trials Finals against Wilbert “Skeeter” McClure (who later won the gold medal at the Rome Olympics as a light middleweight – 156 lbs).   Some may not remember that Idaho State was one of the best collegiate boxing programs in America under the tutelage of the legendary Holt.  His high school and college friends nicknamed him “Ringo” because they said he had the fastest hands since the legendary gunslinger Johnny Ringo roamed the streets of the American West.

Ron Shockley, 82, of Kimberly, passed away on the evening of January 30^th following a battle with lung cancer and pneumonia. He was surrounded by his family during the last several days of his life.

A “Northsider,” Ron was born in Wendell and raised in the Jerome area working on the family farm at Sugar Loaf.  Raised by his mother, Carma Griffith Duncan and step-father, Howard Duncan, Ron was highly respected by his family and friends for his incredible work ethic.  When his boys might complain from time to time later in life about the stress of their jobs, he would remind them, “that’s why they call it work.”   Getting the job done, without excuses, underscored who he was as a person.

While attending Jerome schools, Ron developed his lifelong passion for sports, playing multiple sports at Jerome High School. He was a member of the undefeated 1958 Jerome High School football team that defeated Boise High School for the state championship.

While attending Idaho State, Ron met and later married Barbara Hamilton.  Ron and Barbara recently celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary.   They had two boys during the course of their marriage, Clay and Rob, both of whom are practicing lawyers living in the Boise, Idaho area.  Ron continued farming into the 1970’s with his family, but slowly transitioned into the travel business, working for West Coast Airlines, and later managing Magic Carpet Travels for multiple years.  Ron’s success as a travel agent led him to be invited to be on the inaugural flight of the Boeing 747 on Iberian Airways, where he went through a receiving line hosted by Generalissimo Francisco Franco. Ron and Barbara loved to travel and visited multiple locations in North America, the Caribbean and Europe through the years.

Although his life was filled with hard work, he loved competing in sports well past his college years and played softball in Twin Falls, shot trap at the gun club, bowled with his friends on the 7Up bowling team, and played golf with his “Old Blue” pals for many decades. He was also an avid fan of CSI basketball and his beloved San Francisco Giants. He was passionate about the NFL as well, but his favorite team depended on the point spread.

Ron is survived by his wife Barbara, his brother Scott Duncan, his sons Clay (Laura) and Rob (Cara) and his four grandchildren Sara, John (Jocelyn), Sydney and Elizabeth.  He is also survived by Carey Ziebarth, who Ron viewed as a surrogate son. Ron was preceded in death by his mother Carma Griffith Duncan, step-father Howard Duncan, brother Rocky Duncan and sisters Judy Duncan and Dixie Duncan. Ron was an absolute rock for his family and could always be counted on, especially in tough times.

Ron’s family would like to recognize the help they received these past few weeks as he battled cancer from lifelong family friend Bryan Masoner, dutifully available at a moment’s notice, and Rob Champlin who farmed their land in Kimberly for many years and provided help whenever they needed it as a kind neighbor and trusted friend. Per Ron’s request, there will not be a funeral service and the family will gather to celebrate his life in a manner he would approve (filled with much laughter, food and drink).