Obituary-Jaren Pugmire

 The world got a lot brighter on October 22, 1943, when Jaren Swan Pugmire was born to V. Lamont and Myrtle Agnes Arnell Pugmire in Montpelier, Idaho. He was the youngest of eight children and their first to be born in a hospital. They lovingly brought him from the hospital to their home in St. Charles, Idaho, the very same home where he spent most of his life and where he took his very last breath. Jaren passed away at the age of 82 on Monday, April 27, 2026, surrounded by his family after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Jaren loved his beautiful Bear Lake Valley, and with his bride by his side, it was his heaven on earth. He loved growing up on the family farm and loved living where he was surrounded by extended family.

Jaren attended Wilson Elementary in St. Charles, Idaho, and Fielding High School in Paris, Idaho. He enjoyed playing sports and being outside. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and Sunday drives.

Jaren was called to serve in the Northeast British Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1963 and served in England until 1965. Lifetime friendships were formed during these years, becoming treasured memories for him and his family that became a highlight for the rest of his life.

Jaren met his bride, his rock, and the love of his life, Antoinette “Toni” Taggart, while attending Utah State University. They were married for time and all eternity on June 7, 1966, in the Logan LDS Temple. They will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on June 7, 2026, still eternally bound but on separate sides of the veil.

After their marriage, Jaren and Toni lived in Lewiston, Utah, near her parents, while Jaren finished his schooling. It was while living in Lewiston that they welcomed their first child, Melinda.

They moved to Soda Springs, Idaho, after Jaren graduated from college in 1968, and he began his career and lifelong love of both teaching and learning. Jarilyn joined the family and the adventure soon after.

In 1971, they moved their young family to St. Charles, Idaho, to help care for Jaren’s father. They later bought the family homestead and never wanted to leave. It was while living here that Troy Jaren, Tausha, Cody Taggart, and Heidi joined the family.

Jaren’s distinguished 37-year teaching career spanned several schools across Idaho, including Thirkell Elementary in Soda Springs, Emerson and Paris Elementary in Paris, and AJ Winters in Montpelier. He loved his students so much and was thrilled when he saw them years later. He loved it when students remembered him and took the time to come and visit with him. When asked how he was doing, his reply was always the same: “Happy, thank you.” So many students remember him from this well-used greeting.

Jaren loved helping others and meeting new people. Wherever he went, he made new friends. Cold, snowy Saturday mornings were often spent doing his farm chores, then taking his tractor to clear not only our driveway but also the driveways of every elderly person in town. Upon returning, he would head back out to do farm chores again to complete his day.

Jaren and Toni spent an evening every month visiting all of their friends living in assisted living centers and nursing homes for decades. He wanted to make sure no one ever felt forgotten.

Jaren was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many church callings, including Bishop, High Councilman, Seventy, Scout master, Elders Quorum President, and ministering brother. He loved the years he spent working in the Logan LDS temple.

Jaren loved working on his farm and riding horses. He and Toni have many beautiful memories riding, camping, and working with the Bear Lake Rangers. Jaren had many summer jobs in addition to the farm and teaching school, but his favorite was working as a cave guide at Minnetonka Cave. He loved meeting new people, and this was the perfect opportunity to do that.

Family was one of the most important things in Jaren's life. He felt like he was a rich man because he loved his family so much. Jaren and Toni worked hard to create a haven of love and acceptance for each one of their grandchildren. They traveled to be at sports events and milestones for each and every grandchild. They planned and paid for a family trip to Disneyland and Sea World. There were many camping trips, fishing adventures, evenings in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with the Bar J Wranglers, card games, and nights watching BYU and Utah State basketball and football games. The latest adventures were vacations in Island Park, Idaho, where they celebrated their anniversary with the entire family for four consecutive years. No adventure or activity was ever complete without ice cream. There was always ice cream!

Jaren worked hard to keep extended family ties strong. He loved his brothers and sisters so much and helped create a yearly family reunion where everyone could come home and be together again.

Jaren had a strong testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was proud of his mission service and that several of his children and grandchildren had followed in his footsteps to serve missions for our Savior. He prized his testimony of Jesus Christ and his family above all other possessions. With his last breath, he left this life knowing that these two things were now his eternally.

Jaren was eager to be greeted on the other side of the veil not only by His Savior, Jesus Christ, but also by his son, Cody Taggart Pugmire, and other family members. Oh, how he looked forward to these reunions! Others welcoming him to his heavenly home were his parents, V. Lamont and Myrtle Agnes Arnell Pugmire; brothers and sisters; Lamont Junior (Ada Rex), Averill Arnell, William Lloyd (LuWana Pope), Miriam [twin to Bill], Myrtle Elgie (LeRoy Duane Garner), Darleen Elizabeth (Dale Henry King), and brother-in-law Merrill Gloyd Sprouse.

Jaren leaves behind his bride of almost 60 years, Antoinette “Toni” Taggart Pugmire; children, Melinda “Mindy” (John Michael Zollinger), Jarilyn (Alan Brent Schwab), Troy Jaren (Brooke Bennion), Tausha, (Richard Matthew Behunin), and Heidi (Jordan Robert Jensen), 26 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; sister Nadine Ann Pugmire Sprouse and sister-in-law Maurine Bodily Pugmire and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Our family would like to thank our medical guardian angels, Symbii Home Health and Hospice, Vanessa Crane, Kathy Perkins, Trina Roberts, Dr. Peter Crane, Dr. Jonathan Housley, Tony Ruud, Kam Jarman, and the workers at Bear Lake Physical Therapy, and Schwab Matthews Mortuary for their loving kindness. We would like to thank our friends and family who visited, brought food, called and texted well wishes, and helped us through many difficult months. We love you and are grateful for you.

Last of all, we would like to thank Mom (Grandma), Shantaya, Jarilyn, and Heidi. It is thanks to their constant devotion and loving care that Dad (Grandpa) was blessed to remain home in his happy place when life became so difficult. We are so grateful for you.