James Leon Rock, 76

James Leon Rock, 76, of Las Vegas passed away Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007.

For 44 years, James was married to former Bonners Ferry resident Elene "Hep" Kiilsgaard, who survives.

James was born Nov. 25, 1931, in Pocatello.

He attended elementary and high school in Idaho Falls and graduated in 1968 from Cal State Hayward. James earned his master's in business administration from the University of Idaho in 1971.

James served in the Navy during the Korean War and received two Purple Hearts during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign.

James and Hep married Nov. 27, 1963.

He worked for the Atomic Energy Commission for 16 years, Lawrence Radiation Laboratory for five years and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 24 years. James retired in 1995 and then worked for Thomas and Mack Center and MGM Grand Garden Arena as a special events usher.

Also, since Hep's retirement in 2001, the couple spent summers at the Kiilsgaard family farm in District 5.

James belonged to Idaho Falls American Legion.

James also is survived by sons Eric and his wife, Becky, Steven and his wife, Kim, and Mark and his wife, Michelle, all of Las Vegas; a son, Lance in California; a daughter, Jinann of Pocatello; and grandchildren Nicole, Adam, Katelyn and Austin, all of Las Vegas.

A memorial service was held Dec. 17 at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas. He will be buried at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nev.