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J. R. Simplot

John Richard "Jack" Simplot (January 4, 1909 – May 25, 2008) was an American entrepreneur and agribusiness magnate best known as the founder of the J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held global food and agriculture firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, that pioneered commercial frozen french fries and became a major supplier to McDonald's.^[1]^[2]^[3] Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Simplot moved with his family to Idaho at age two and left school after the eighth grade at age 14 to work on farms near Declo, where he began raising hogs and growing potatoes on rented land.^[4]^[5] In 1929, at age 20, he founded his company after acquiring an electric potato sorter through a coin toss, initially focusing on potato and onion shipping, which rapidly expanded to make him the largest fresh potato shipper in the United States by the eve of World War II.^[1]^[2]^[6] During the war, Simplot's operations supplied the U.S. military with 33 million pounds of dehydrated potatoes annually from 1942 to 1945, and in the late 1940s, he innovated the first commercial frozen french fry process, with the initial sale occurring in 1946 and a patent secured in 1953.^[1]^[5]^[2] In 1967, he struck a pivotal deal with McDonald's founder Ray Kroc to supply frozen fries, eventually providing over 50% of the chain's needs by 2005, which propelled the company into a diversified empire encompassing fertilizer production, cattle feeding, and food processing with more than 15,000 employees worldwide.^[1]^[2] Simplot retired as president in 1973 and as chairman in 1994, remaining chairman emeritus until his death, while also investing in ventures like Micron Technology in the early 1980s and supporting philanthropy, including donations for Boise's Esther Simplot Park and St. Luke's Hospital.^[4]^[2]^[6]

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

John Richard Simplot was born on January 4, 1909, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Charles Richard Simplot and Dorothy Ann Haxby Simplot.^[4]^[7] He was the third of six children in a family rooted in Midwestern farming traditions.^[7] In 1910, when Simplot was about one year old, his family relocated approximately 1,000 miles west to a homestead near Declo in southern Idaho's Magic Valley, drawn by new irrigation systems and agricultural opportunities in the region.^[8]^[7] His father, Charles, a practical and frugal farmer from Iowa, transported the family, along with livestock including pigs, chickens, and horses, via boxcars to establish a new life on the frontier farm.^[7] The Simplots settled into a modest log cabin built by Charles, where young Jack contributed to farm chores from an early age, such as raising orphaned lambs on the front porch with his mother's assistance.^[8]^[7] Simplot's upbringing was marked by a strict, authoritarian father whose discipline shaped his strong work ethic but also sparked frequent conflicts.^[9]^[8] Charles's stern approach, including refusals over minor freedoms like attending a basketball game, instilled resilience in Simplot but ultimately led to his decision to leave home.^[10] With limited formal education, Simplot dropped out after completing the eighth grade at age 14 in 1923, amid these family tensions.^[11]^[12] His mother provided him with a small sum—accounts vary between $20 and $80 in gold—to start out on his own in nearby Declo.^[10]^[8]

Initial Business Ventures

At the age of 14 in 1923, J. R. Simplot left home following an argument with his father over attending a basketball game, receiving $20 in gold coins from his mother to start out on his own.^[13] He relocated to a $1-a-night hotel in the nearby town of Declo, Idaho, where he took odd jobs sorting potatoes at a local warehouse and unloading coal to cover his expenses.^[14] Demonstrating early financial ingenuity, Simplot purchased interest-bearing scrip from underpaid teachers at 50 cents on the dollar and resold it to a bank for 90 cents, using the profits to acquire a rifle, an old truck, and approximately 600 to 700 hogs at $1 each.^[13] To feed the hogs cheaply amid a depressed pork market, Simplot hunted wild horses in the desert with his rifle, processing their meat alongside potato scraps and barley into a boiler he built himself.^[13] When hog prices rebounded the following year, he sold the herd for over $7,000—accounts vary between $7,500 and $7,800—providing capital to pivot into agriculture.^[13]^[14] With these funds, he leased 120 acres of land near Declo, purchased potato seed, farm equipment, three teams of horses, and a used roadster, marking his entry into potato farming and shipping operations in the mid-1920s using borrowed and rented resources.^[14] Simplot expanded his potato endeavors by co-owning an electric potato sorter and developing a small trucking operation to haul produce, which facilitated the construction of his first warehouse in 1929 and grew into a network of 33 facilities by 1940, making him the largest potato shipper in the American West.^[13] The Great Depression brought financial volatility, including near-bankruptcy risks from market fluctuations, but Simplot navigated these challenges through relentless work and diversification into onion farming on rented land.^[13] His recovery gained momentum in the late 1930s when he built an onion dehydration plant in Caldwell, Idaho, which generated $50,000 in its first month of operation and provided a stable revenue stream ahead of World War II demands.^[14]

Business Career

Founding and Early Growth of the J. R. Simplot Company

In 1929, at the age of 20, J.R. Simplot formally founded the J.R. Simplot Company in Declo, Idaho, as a potato and onion shipping operation, building on his earlier acquisition of an electric potato sorter through a coin toss with a business partner.^[5] The venture began modestly in a potato cellar, focusing on buying, storing, and shipping fresh produce to markets across the western United States.^[15] The company experienced rapid expansion during the early 1930s, leveraging Simplot's foundational farming skills from his teenage years raising hogs and managing crops. By 1940, Simplot's holdings had grown to include 33 potato warehouses, establishing the company as a major shipper in the produce industry.^[5] Amid the economic hardships of the Great Depression, the J.R. Simplot Company survived and even adapted by implementing strict cost-cutting measures, such as optimizing storage techniques to minimize waste and relying on Simplot's hands-on management to maintain low overhead.^[5] By 1940, these efforts had solidified the company's position, with a reputation for reliability in the produce industry.^[5]

Innovations in Potato Processing and Key Partnerships

During World War II, J.R. Simplot secured lucrative government contracts to supply dehydrated potatoes and onions to the U.S. military, marking the J.R. Simplot Company's first significant profits and establishing its reputation in food preservation.^[14] Operating from a newly built processing plant in Caldwell, Idaho, the company produced about 33 million pounds of dehydrated potatoes and 5 million pounds of dehydrated onions annually, leveraging efficient dehydration technology to meet wartime demands.^[14] These contracts not only fueled financial growth but also honed Simplot's expertise in large-scale potato processing.^[16] Post-war, in the late 1940s and 1950s, Simplot's engineers innovated in frozen potato products, focusing on french fries to capitalize on emerging quick-freeze technologies. They perfected blanching processes—partially cooking the potatoes in hot water to remove sugars and preserve texture—followed by quick-freezing to maintain flavor and crispness upon frying.^[17] This led to the company's first commercial sales of frozen french fries in 1946, revolutionizing the industry by enabling consistent, shelf-stable products that reduced preparation time for restaurants and households.^[1] By the early 1950s, these techniques had transformed Simplot into a leader in frozen food preservation, shifting from dehydration to a more versatile freezing method.^[13] A landmark partnership in the 1960s with McDonald's founder Ray Kroc solidified Simplot's dominance in potato processing. In 1967, Simplot struck a handshake deal to become McDonald's exclusive supplier of frozen french fries in the United States, ensuring uniform quality and supply chain reliability for the expanding fast-food chain.^[1] This collaboration drove explosive growth, scaling Simplot's production to billions of pounds of fries annually by the 1970s to support McDonald's global footprint.^[13] To accommodate this demand, the company expanded its Idaho facilities, including upgrades to the Caldwell plant and new sites like those in Nampa and Pocatello, while initiating exports to international markets in Europe and Asia during the decade.^[17]

Diversification into Other Industries

In the 1940s, Simplot expanded into fertilizer production to secure a reliable supply for his agricultural operations, beginning with the construction of the Don Plant in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1944, which became the company's first phosphate fertilizer manufacturing facility.^[18] This move was prompted by wartime shortages of commercial fertilizers, leading Simplot to mine phosphate rock directly from deposits in southeast Idaho starting in 1946, thereby establishing a vertically integrated supply chain that reduced costs and supported potato farming.^[19]^[15] By producing his own fertilizers, Simplot not only addressed immediate needs but also positioned the company as a major player in the phosphate industry, with operations that supplied essential nutrients to growers across the region. However, phosphate mining has faced environmental controversies, including selenium contamination of water sources and aquifer pollution, leading to Superfund designations, regulatory settlements, and ongoing legal actions as of 2023.^[20]^[21]^[22] During the 1950s, Simplot further diversified into livestock and cattle feeding operations, building on earlier acquisitions like the Bruneau Sheep Company ranch in 1943 to feed potato byproducts to animals.^[7] He expanded with large-scale ranches in Idaho and Oregon, utilizing feedlots to process waste from potato processing into animal feed.^[7] These ventures created synergies with his core agriculture business, as the feedlots converted surplus potatoes into a resource for beef production, with the company's operations eventually supporting an annual capacity of hundreds of thousands of cattle heads across western states. In 1994, the company acquired the ZX Ranch in Oregon, which became one of the largest cattle operations in the country.^[23]^[24] In the late 1970s, Simplot ventured outside agriculture by providing seed funding to Micron Technology, a nascent semiconductor firm founded in 1978 by three engineers in Boise, Idaho.^[25] He invested $1 million in 1980 for a 40% stake, which fueled the company's growth into a global leader in memory chips and generated substantial returns for Simplot, reportedly making him a billionaire anew through this high-tech diversification.^[12]^[13] Profits from frozen french fry sales during this period helped finance such broader expansions beyond food processing.^[5] By the 1980s, the J.R. Simplot Company had extended into turf and horticulture products, developing specialized fertilizers and seeds for landscaping and non-agricultural uses, complementing its agricultural lines.^[26] These efforts contributed to the company's global reach, with international potato processing and fertilizer operations established in regions like Australia, Mexico, and China, marketing products in over 40 countries and solidifying its status as a multinational agribusiness.^[26]^[27]

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

J. R. Simplot married Ruby Adeline Rosevear in 1931 after meeting on a blind date; the couple had four children together: sons Richard, Don, and Scott, and daughter Gay.^[4]^[7] The marriage lasted 29 years and ended in divorce in 1960, reportedly after Rosevear left Simplot for another man.^[7] Despite the divorce, Simplot maintained close relationships with his children, who became deeply involved in the family business.^[7] Sons Don and Scott, along with daughter Gay, served on the company's executive committee and held key leadership roles, such as Scott's position as board chairman.^[28]^[29] Richard, the eldest son, died in 1993.^[13] Simplot's daughter Gay was previously married to C. L. "Butch" Otter, who later served as Idaho's governor and worked for the Simplot company for 30 years before their 1993 divorce.^[30] In 1972, Simplot married Esther Becker, a former opera singer whom he met in New York in the mid-1960s; the marriage lasted until his death in 2008 and produced no additional children.^[13]^[4] Esther played a significant role in the family's philanthropic activities, particularly supporting arts organizations in Boise.^[7]

Philanthropy and Personal Interests

Throughout his life, J.R. Simplot demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy, particularly in supporting agricultural education. He and his company provided significant funding to institutions like the University of Idaho, including contributions that helped sustain the Parma Research and Extension Center, a key facility for potato and crop research in Idaho.^[31] The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation, established in 2000, has continued this legacy through various grants.^[32] More recently, the J.R. Simplot Family Foundation provided a multimillion-dollar endowment for the university's first deanship in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, honoring Simplot's contributions to Idaho agriculture.^[33] Simplot also backed cultural initiatives in Boise through family philanthropy, often in partnership with his wife, Esther Simplot, who led efforts to advance the local arts scene. Esther, an aspiring opera singer, was a charter member and first president of the Boise Civic Opera (now Opera Idaho), founded in 1973, and championed ballet and orchestral programs; J.R. supported these endeavors, including a joint $1 million donation in 1980 to the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts and funding for the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy, a facility built for the Boise Philharmonic, Ballet Idaho, and Opera Idaho.^[34]^[35] In later years, the J.R. Simplot Company Foundation, focused on community development and environmental causes in Idaho, extended this support with grants to arts organizations and local nonprofits.^[36] Beyond philanthropy, Simplot pursued personal interests rooted in the rural lifestyle he knew from his youth. An avid horseman and big game hunter, he maintained extensive cattle ranches across six western states, including the large ZX Ranch in Oregon, where he ran 15,000 head of cattle—not primarily for profit, but because he cherished the land and the animals, often stating, "I love the land and I just love the cow."^[37]^[7] His daily routine reflected a simple, hands-on approach even in his later years: rising at 6 a.m. for breakfast, attending business meetings, taking an afternoon nap in his office, and driving himself to work or the feedlot, frequently stopping at McDonald's for an Egg McMuffin and hash browns.^[38]^[7]

Later Years and Death

Retirement and Ongoing Involvement

In 1973, at the age of 64, J. R. Simplot retired as president of the J. R. Simplot Company, appointing longtime associate John Dahl to the position, though he continued to guide the organization informally. He retained the role of chairman of the board until 1994, when his son Scott Simplot succeeded him, allowing for a gradual transition of leadership while preserving the company's private, family-held structure.^[39]^[1] Even after stepping down as chairman, Simplot maintained an influential advisory role, offering counsel on key strategic decisions as chairman emeritus.^[40] This included oversight of the company's significant stake in Micron Technology, where his early 1980 investment had fueled substantial growth into a major semiconductor producer, and he served on its board until 1999.^[41] His guidance also extended to international expansions, such as the 1995 acquisition of Australian food brands including Birds Eye and Edgell, which marked a pivotal step in globalizing the family business.^[1] The successes in diversification, particularly into semiconductors and phosphate mining, provided the financial stability that supported Simplot's secure retirement.^[42] By 2007, his personal wealth had reached an estimated $3.6 billion, ranking him 89th on Forbes' list of the richest Americans, largely tied to the enduring value of the privately held J. R. Simplot Company owned by his family.^[43]^[42]^[1]

The 2007 Accident

On January 1, 2007, J. R. Simplot, then 97 years old, suffered a fall from his motorized scooter while exiting the parking lot of University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, following Boise State's victory in the Fiesta Bowl. The incident occurred late in the evening as Simplot was leaving the event with his wife and son; he struck his head on the pavement, resulting in a cranial hematoma that caused significant brain swelling. He was immediately transported to St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, where emergency surgery was performed the following day to relieve the pressure on his brain.^[44]^[45] Simplot remained in the intensive care unit at St. Joseph's Hospital for several days, where he gradually regained consciousness and stabilized, with his vital signs reported as normal post-surgery. His 98th birthday on January 4 fell during this hospitalization, marking a subdued celebration amid his recovery from the head injury. Doctors noted a large hematoma at the site of impact prior to the procedure, but family members expressed optimism about his progress, citing his prior resilience despite past health challenges like heart bypass surgery and hip replacement.^[44]^[45]^[46] By January 10, Simplot had improved sufficiently to be transferred via air ambulance to Boise, Idaho, where he was admitted to the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital for further care focused on his head injury. At the rehabilitation facility, he continued to show steady improvement in responsiveness, though initial challenges included difficulty in communicating effectively with others. The accident had a limited long-term medical impact directly attributable to the hematoma, as Simplot returned home following rehab, but it contributed to a noticeable decline in his overall mobility during his final months.^[47]^[48]

Death and Immediate Aftermath

John Richard "J.R." Simplot died on May 25, 2008, at the age of 99 in his condominium in downtown Boise, Idaho, from natural causes, with his wife of 36 years, Esther Simplot, by his side.^[13] His health had been in decline since the scooter accident the previous year. A private family burial was held at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise, attended only by close family and associates.^[49] In contrast, a public memorial service took place on June 1, 2008, at Qwest Arena in Boise, drawing approximately 1,000 attendees who paid tribute to Simplot's deep ties to Idaho's agricultural heritage and his role in elevating the state's potato industry.^[50]^[51] The J.R. Simplot Company issued an immediate statement acknowledging his passing, emphasizing that Simplot had long stepped back from daily operations and that the business would proceed unchanged under family stewardship.^[52] Scott Simplot, J.R.'s youngest son and the company's executive vice president, affirmed the seamless transition, noting that the company would continue its agricultural focus without leadership disruptions.^[52] Following his death, the Simplot family managed the estate to maintain the company's status as a privately held entity, with family members retaining control through board positions and ownership stakes, ensuring continuity in operations.^[52]^[53]

Legacy and Honors

Enduring Business Impact

Following J.R. Simplot's death in 2008, the J.R. Simplot Company continued to expand as a global agribusiness, maintaining its family-owned structure under the leadership of his heirs and executives. By 2025, the company employed more than 15,000 people worldwide, with operations spanning food processing, agriculture, and phosphate production across multiple continents.^[1] Its core focus remained on potatoes, exemplified by the 2025 acquisition of Belgium's Clarebout Group, a major frozen potato producer, which was completed on November 7, 2025, and strengthened its international supply chain for frozen products.^[54]^[55] This growth underscored the enduring scalability of Simplot's vision, transforming a regional potato farming operation into a privately held enterprise generating billions in annual revenue while staying committed to family control.^[56] In Idaho, the company's economic footprint has been profound, supporting thousands of jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, and related sectors, and ranking among the state's top private employers. As a key player in the food processing industry, Simplot contributes significantly to Idaho's gross state product through potato farming, processing, and exports, bolstering rural economies in areas like the Magic Valley.^[57] The company has also driven innovations in sustainable farming, partnering with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) since 2022 to integrate precision agriculture tools with conservation practices, enhancing soil health, water quality, and resource efficiency for Idaho growers.^[58] These efforts promote long-term agricultural viability, reducing environmental impacts while optimizing farm profitability in the state's potato-dependent regions. The J.R. Simplot Family Foundation has perpetuated Simplot's commitment to agriculture and education, providing ongoing grants for initiatives that advance these fields. In 2024, the foundation established the first endowed deanship at the University of Idaho's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, funding leadership to support land-grant research and extension programs in sustainable agriculture.^[59] This builds on prior contributions, such as endowments for agricultural facilities at institutions like the College of Western Idaho, fostering workforce development and innovation in Idaho's agribusiness sector.^[60] Simplot's pioneering role in the frozen food industry endures through its foundational contributions to the global french fry market, particularly as the first supplier of frozen fries to McDonald's starting in 1967. By 2005, the company provided more than half of the chain's french fry requirements, revolutionizing fast-food supply chains by enabling consistent, year-round availability of high-quality frozen products derived from Idaho potatoes.^[61] This legacy continues to influence the industry, with Simplot remaining a dominant player in frozen potato processing and a vital link between Idaho agriculture and international markets.

Awards and Recognitions

In 1967, J.R. Simplot received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, recognizing his entrepreneurial excellence in agribusiness.^[62] Simplot was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 1996, honoring his contributions to the Western American heritage through his pioneering work in agriculture and industry.^[24] In 2001, Utah State University awarded Simplot an honorary Doctor of Agricultural Sciences degree for his significant impacts on the agricultural and food industries.^[63] Simplot's rags-to-riches journey from a young potato farmer to a major agribusiness leader also earned him induction into the Idaho Potato Hall of Fame in 1996, celebrating his transformative role in the state's potato industry.^[64]

References

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J.R. Simplot, founder of potato empire, dies at age 99 - Reliable Plant
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Simplot family - Forbes
Five Simplot family members are on the privately held company's board. J.R.'s son Scott is the chairman and previously served as chief executive. Wealth ...Missing: estate | Show results with:estate
[52]
The J.R. Simplot Co. acquires European potato manufacturer
Jul 15, 2025 · Financial terms of the acquisition, which is expected to close in 2025, were not disclosed. Clarebout, West Flanders, Belgium, produces frozen ...
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JR Simplot | Company Overview & News - Forbes
The J.R. Simplot Company is a family-owned, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. Its integrated portfolio.Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
[54]
[PDF] 2021 Manufacturing Economic Impact Report
JR Simplot Company. K2 Construction ... - Ranked 4th place as measured by direct contributions to Idaho's employment (behind only government, health care,.
[55]
NRCS Idaho and Simplot teaming up to help Idaho agriculture
Jul 4, 2022 · They partner with farmers to deliver field-proven advice and explore innovative ways to help farmers optimize their resources and profits. NRCS ...
[56]
Simplot Family Foundation gift establishes endowed UI ag deanship
Nov 13, 2024 · The endowed deanship honors the late J.R. Simplot, who founded Boise-based agribusiness J.R. Simplot Co., and the family's legacy in Idaho ...Missing: philanthropy donations
[57]
CWI and Simplot Foundation Celebrate Shared Commitment to Ag ...
Jun 12, 2025 · CWI unveiled the new sign of the Simplot Agriculture Building on Friday, June 6, honoring a generous gift from the J.R. Simplot Foundation ...
[58]
Simplot's french fry deal with McDonald's was key for company, Idaho
Jan 31, 2017 · In 1967, Idaho potato magnate JR Simplot shook hands with McDonald's CEO Ray Kroc, sealing a deal that made Simplot the first frozen french-fry supplier to the ...Missing: partnership 1960s
[59]
All Honorees | Academy of Achievement
The Golden Plate Award has been presented since 1961 by the American Academy ... D. Electronics and Mathematics. 1967. J. R. Simplot. Agribusiness Pioneer.
[60]
Honorary Degrees and Commencement Speaker Recipients
J.R., HD, 2001, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences & Food Industry. Simplot ... Donald R. HD, 2010, Doctor of Humane Letters. Simplot, Scott R. HD, 2010, Doctor ...
[61]
Simplot Company - Facebook
Jan 4, 2025 · Jack was the third of six children of Charles R. and Dorothy (Haxby) Simplot. His parents were English, although his father's grandparents were ...Missing: German immigrant