Jesse Allan Ojala, 54

Jesse Allan Ojala, 54, passed away in Boise on September 13 from complications of cancer.

Jesse was born December 30, 1958 in Portland, Oregon, to Gary and Sammy Ojala. After graduating from Lakeland High School in Rathdrum, Idaho, in 1977, he spent several years in the computer industry. As a budding computer engineer and entrepreneur, Jess was one of the founding group of Itron, Inc. which in later years became a multimillion-dollar going concern in utility meter reading. One of his proudest achievements was developing and acquiring a patent for a mechanism that was incorporated as a component in a pioneering concept known as “Movie Box” video rental machines back in the 1990’s, a precursor to today’s widespread “Red Box” machines. Another thing he was proud of was that he had visited every state in the nation, except Hawaii.

In the 1990’s he settled down in Rathdrum, Idaho, and married his wife, Leslie, in 1997. He did not have children of his own but treated his stepchildren with over the top kindness and generosity. He was always there for them, whether it was to help with money or untangle some mess they got themselves into.

Jesse was an excellent provider, even working out of state to support his family. He did whatever was necessary to fill that role. He was one of the kindest, most unconditionally loving and thoughtful people and will be truly missed. He has left a huge hole in our family and in our hearts.

Jesse leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Leslie, step children Derek, Megan and Kendra, mother and father Gary and Sammy Ojala, brother Jim Ojala, sisters Kathy Wichtendal and Susie Harrington, several nieces and nephews and three grandchildren.

There will be a memorial to celebrate Jesse’s life at Curley’s at the Hauser Junction on Highway 53 at 4 p.m. October 5.