Julian Jolley

Jul. 2, 1957 - May 15, 2026

Date of Service: Jul. 4, 2026

BURLEY - Heaven gained an angel on May 15, 2026. Julian Mario Jolley, age 68, of Burley, passed away at his home in Burley.

He was born July 2, 1957, in Burley, Idaho, to Wayne and Angeles Menchaca Jolley. Julian grew up in Heyburn, with his five brothers and two sisters. He attended elementary school at St. Nicholas Catholic School in Rupert. He later attended West Minico Junior High and graduated from Minico High School in 1976. He had a love for playing sports growing up, especially football. When Julian was not participating in sports, he was helping his family raise animals and grow an abundant garden. On the weekends, he had a part-time job at Ore-Ida Foods. After graduation, Julian worked at a spraying company and Smith’s Food King in Burley.

Julian met the love of his life, Darlene Kober, in 1977, on a late night cruise in Burley. He knew it was true love when he was able to disregard the fact that she had attended the rival high school. Julian and Darlene were married at the Zion Lutheran Church on April 7, 1979. They settled in Burley where they later welcomed their daughter, Courtney in February 1981. Life took the Jolley family to Heyburn and they welcomed their two sons, Jeffrey, in 1984, and Jonathan, in 1987. Julian’s family moved back to Burley in 2004.

Julian worked at Simplot in the freezer warehouse as a forklift operator for 38 years. After the company closed, he took some time off before obtaining his CDL and working for Transystems. After experiencing some health related issues, he chose to retire.

Julian was an avid outdoors man. He was always up bright and early every March 1, for the first day of the fishing season. Julian was quick to remind everyone to purchase their hunting license and put in for annual draws. He was the most patient teacher with not just his kids, but also his grandchildren. Julian loved to share his knowledge of everything he knew from hunting to gardening to his favorite football team, the 49ers.

Julian spent most of his summers playing softball, in his younger years, and always camping. He loved riding his ATVs all over the South Hills. Having no cell phone reception was his favorite. The grandkids always rode with him and were quick to fall asleep in his arms during evening rides.

In his retirement, Julian was always willing to travel to any of his grandkids’ games. He should have been given a microphone because his commentating was always spot on. Win or lose, he always had words of encouragement after a game.

Julian loved to cook for others and host get togethers. He hosted super bowl parties annually for decades. In recent years, he hosted annual Jolley reunions in the backyard. Julian loved to catch up, share memories, and always joke around with close friends and family. No matter how serious a conversation was, he always found the right time to crack a joke.

Julian was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Angeles Jolly; in-laws, John and Laura Kober; brothers, Anthony Jolley, Michael Jolley, Jeffrey Jolley, and Nick Jolley; sister, Tina Schafer; and brother-in-law, Reiny Kober.

He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene (Kober) Jolley; daughter, Courtney (Jason) Weeks; sons, Jeffrey (Talia) Jolley, and Jonathan (Sarah) Jolley; six grandchildren, Aubrey, Riley, Corbin, Landon, Everlee, and Bruin; brothers, Dioni (Hazel) Jolley; sister, Angela Jolley Dowell (Jim Rogers); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations made in Julian’s honor to your charity of choice.

A celebration of life/open house will be held on July 4, 2026, at the Jolley residence in Burley.

Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.