Jos Luis L

 José Luis López, 54 years of age, passed away on September 12th, 2024, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. José faced his illness with the same unwavering strength, resilience and grace that defined his life, being #LÓPEZSTRONG.  Born as the first baby of Gem County, on January 1st, 1970, in Emmett, Idaho to Lucio and Rosa López, José jokingly considered himself a “legend” for that title, and truly lived up to the name. Speaking of names, he had many; people knew him as José, Joe, Luis, Ringo, Grillo, Luisito, Tio José, Tio Luis, Tio Louie, and Tio Ludi. Many also knew him for his warm smile, and great hair.
 José graduated from Emmett High School in 1988 and was proud to be a Huskie Alumn. He had a profound love for his hometown of Emmett, as it was often his favorite place to visit. He enjoyed coming back home to spend time with his beloved mother Rosa, visit “his butte” and eat at his favorite restaurant of all time, Emmett Chinese Café.
  After graduation José moved to Boise where he met the love of his life, Ina Martinez (from Burley Idaho) who he later married in Spring of 2000. José and Ina had two son’s Damián José, 21 (DJ) and Marcus Jerard, 16 (MJ) Together, they made a life in Boise, Idaho, where he dedicated 12 years working for Blue Cross of Idaho, his latest role as a Claims Documentation Specialist doing technical writing.
  José had many hobbies that included writing, taking pictures of his loved ones, traveling
to Las Vegas for the buffets, couponing (he had a coupon for everything) and watching sports. From watching his favorite college basketball team, North Carolina Tar Heels, NBA team the Los Angeles Lakers, to NFL games cheering on the Dallas Cowboys. Of all his hobbies, being a supportive husband and father was one of José’s greatest life accomplishments. The love he had for his wife and boys was one that never went unnoticed. You rarely ever saw him without his boys, as he spent most of his time at their sporting events, even volunteering to coach them for many years. He was their number one fan and enjoyed watching his youngest son Marcus, play basketball for Rocky Mountain High School and enjoyed hearing about his oldest son DJ’s traveling adventures.
  José was most known for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to family and friends. 
He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, Tio and friend to many. He was known for his deep love for his family and the joy he brought to every moment spent with them. Whether it was sharing stories, making memories at family gatherings, or simply being present, his warmth and generosity touched all who knew him. His children were the light of his life, and he poured his heart into every role he took on, whether as a husband, dad, son, brother, Tio, mentor, or friend.
  José had a remarkable love for life. He cherished every moment, approaching each daywith gratitude, humor, and a fierce determination to live fully. His kindness and compassion were felt by everyone fortunate enough to know him. His impact on his community and the many people whose lives he touched will never be forgotten.
  He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosa López; siblings, Eduardo Luis, Guillermo, Rocio, and Jesus. He is survived by his wife, Ina; his son’s, Damian and Marcus; siblings, Saul López, Yolanda Hernández, Celina Alvizo, Javi López; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. All who knew him will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 19th at the Potter Funeral Chapel of Emmett.  Inurnment will follow at the Emmett Cemetery.

An epistolary letter written to his son’s Damian and Marcus:

Under My Wings:

I’ll keep you warm, 
you’ll be fed and so much more,
No rain, no cold will be on you.
When the sun peaks, I’ll let you know,
Harm is on my back, away from your sight.

My body will be beaten by many things,
and I will age,
but you will grow and prosper 
under my wings.

One day you will fly,
and I will wait for your return 
to see your glow
as you stand by my side.

You will continue to fly,
fly higher, farther,
and as I wait for your return,
you will soar by,
and I will then know,
my wings for you can do no more.

By José L. López

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jos Luis L, please visit our floral store.