James LeRoy Twiss

James LeRoy Twiss, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, with his wife of almost 50 years by his side. Jim was born to Roy and Faye Twiss on Sept. 24, 1938. He grew up in Paul, Idaho, and graduated from Minico High School in 1956. He was the first of three brothers and one sister. He married his soul mate, JoDee Walker, on April 7, 1960, and had two children, Teresa Marie Knopp and Tracy Michael Twiss. Jim started in the tire business in 1959. They later moved to Buhl to run Big O Tire. With two partners, Jim and JoDee bought Magic Valley Tire Inc. that included six locations, which later became Magic Valley Tire Les Schwab in 1991. He also co-owned and operated Magic Valley Retreaders in Buhl and retired May 31, 1999. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Twin Falls. During his career, he received many awards including becoming a member of the Million Dollar Club for Sales Recognition. Jim was a member of the Buhl Rotary Club and the Buhl Chamber of Commerce. Jim served his country in the National Guard and received an honorable discharge in 1959. Throughout his life Jim enjoyed many hobbies, including golfing, snowmobiling and riding ATV's. He recently joined the Twin Falls Gun Club to pursue his love of trap-shooting. He was a real people person and had a zest for life with a sense of humor to match. Jim was a self-made man and extremely generous to those he loved. He cherished his family and his family cherished him. Jim was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Surviving Jim are his wife, JoDee; daughter, Teresa (Brent) Knopp; son, Tracy Twiss; grandsons, Michael (Amy) Knopp, Brett Twiss and Brad Twiss; great-granddaughters, Kellie and Payton Knopp; brothers, Max (Jaylynn) Twiss and Mike Twiss; sister, Donna (Dennis) Hunter; and many nieces and nephews. His parents, Roy and Faye Twiss; infant brother, Terry Ray; grandson, Lance Knopp; and many aunts and uncles preceded him in death. Cremation took place at Jim's request. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road in Twin Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim's Memory to The Twin Falls Gun Club, in care of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301.