J.R. 'Jack' Simplot began his colorful career at the age of 14 when he quit school and went into business on his own in 1923, near the small farming community of Declo, Idaho.

Jack poured seemingly boundless energy into many endeavors. By the early years of World War II, the Simplot Company had become the largest shipper of fresh potatoes in the country and was selling millions of pounds of dehydrated onions and potatoes to the military.

When wartime shortages made it difficult to buy fertilizer, Jack built a manufacturing plant in Pocatello, Idaho, and produced his own. That kind of ingenuity and determination continued during the early 1950s as the Simplot Company created and marketed the first commercially viable frozen french fries in the world.

Throughout his business career, he blended a gambler's intuition with a businessman's judgment and common sense. Jack and his wife, Esther Becker Simplot, made their home in Boise, not far from his company's headquarters and a little more than 100 miles from the farm where he was raised. He passed away quietly in his Boise home on May 25, 2008 with Esther at his side.  Jack had one daughter, Gay Simplot, and two sons, Don and Scott. Another son, Richard, preceded him in death in 1993.

Jack has been honored by the World Potato Congress and the Idaho Potato Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industry, and has been recognized by numerous organizations for his achievements in business and financial support of education, the performing arts, and many communities.

Although Jack Simplot will remain forever fixed as the founder, leader and inspiration of the Simplot Company, it is equally true that scores of dedicated employees contributed mightily to the success of the company.