Obituary of James Joseph Krunich

James Joseph Krunich of Twin Falls passed away peacefully on November 10, 2017, after a long illness. Jim was born on September 19, 1951, and the world has never been the same. Jim was an avid fly-fisherman and guide in Sun Valley (his bragging rights included guiding Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson and many of the Ford family) and a hunter of birds and beasts. He measured his years by the dogs he trained and loved, especially Beau. Jim was born in Barberton, Ohio, to Robert and Betty Krunich. He graduated from Barberton High School in 1970 with accolades in football. He attended The Defiance College in Ohio for one year where he was consistently on probation. He worked in management and attended Kent State University where he graduated with degrees in English and Journalism and a teaching certificate in 1984. After moving to Idaho in 1986, Jim held many positions that influenced the lives of numerous people. He was a teacher in Jerome, Castleford, and most enduringly at Filer where he taught English and photography, was the advisor for the yearbook staff, served as president of the Filer Education Association, and coached football. One of his favorite activities was hosting chess tournaments in his classroom at lunch. His work was published in national magazines as well as the Times-News. Beginning in 2002, Jim spent several years teaching in Kuwait and venturing in Europe, Africa, and Australia. His photo safari in Tanzania was a favorite, but the beer in Poland also made a lasting impression. He was a storyteller. He didn't always write his tales down, but they were scripted across his subconscious; he could recover them at the firing of a synapse. Despite the passing of years, the stories remained unaltered. Word for word he explained the intricacies of luring a cutthroat--or a woman--or stumbling upon an elk he shot and feeling the last breath screech through its bloody lungs. He said he felt the connection then, of animal and man, life and death. He painted pictures with a brush only he could grasp. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Robert S. Krunich; his mother, Betty J. Krunich; and his close friend and brother, Robert E. Krunich. He is survived by his younger brother, Bryan M. (Genia) Krunich of Ohio and his special friend and companion, Beth Stewart, along with many others who were fortunate to call him a friend. Jim's casual memorial open house will be Monday, November 20, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the gathering room at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave. E. in Twin Falls. All are welcome. Bring your memories! Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.