James “Jim” Perotto

James (Jim) Darrel Perotto, 73, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away February 24, 2024, at Idaho Falls Community Hospital. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice.

Jim was born November 14, 1950, in Rupert, Idaho, to Vlademiro Felice Pierotto (Phillip Perotto) and Dora L. Asson Perotto. He grew up and attended elementary, junior high and high school in Rupert. He spent his junior and senior school years in Salmon, Idaho where he graduated from Salmon High School. He also attended Idaho State University.

He married Carol Lee Nelson and was later divorced.

After 5 years together, on October 22, 1983, Jim married Louise (Laurie) Ann Severson in Salmon. He worked construction and played music in Salmon until 1987 when he and Laurie moved their family to Idaho Falls. There he continued to work as a skilled carpenter, a stone mason, and an artist creating and performing music.

Jim was our all around renaissance man, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. He was the sole founder of The Church of the Dad. He was also a member of numerous bands, including The Lounge Primates, Gus, DezPerotto The Drum Machine, and most recently Salmon Fish Sticks. He was an extremely talented artist who designed and built extraordinary, and often functional, artwork out of ordinary things. Two of our favorites were his air filter/camshaft table lamp and the canister vacuum floor lamp.

He was a truly remarkable man who introduced us to music and culture, leaving an indelible imprint on our hearts. He was a gifted musician and creative (impromptu) songwriter and through shared words, melodies, and harmonies he illuminated our lives.

Though he’s no longer with us physically, his spirit resonates in every note, and his love continues to echo in the melodies of our cherished memories. These memories include time with him camping, golfing (yelling “over-ies” and calling our shots pathetic), bowling, ping pong, building toys for and having nerf gun fights and sock wars with his grandkids, creating videos, music, art, and riding his motorcycle, scooter, and bicycle. He was “Dad”, “Nonni”, or “Nino” to all the kids who were lucky enough to have been a part of his life. There is just no way for us to capture his legacy in words.

Jim is survived by his wife, Laurie Perotto of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Christopher (Alma) Perotto of Twin Falls, ID; son, Joshua (Heather) Perotto of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Megan (Jeremy) Pugh-Curtis of Kerby, OR; daughter, Sacha (Mike) Johnson of Pocatello, ID; sister, Paula Guth of Eagle, ID; 8 grandchildren (Alen, Eliana, Myla, Titus, Avery, Jalisa, Jacob, Isac), 3 great-grandchildren (Gabriel, Melanie, Alex), and many more loving friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Dora Perotto; and brother, Phil Perotto.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life for the summer of 2024. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local no-kill animal shelter in honor of Jim, who was an absolute pushover for all critters and would be grateful for your contributions.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.