William (Bill) James Brockman, 89 of Twin Falls, Idaho went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 26, 2023. Bill was born on April 8, 1934 in Midway, California.

Bill's life was heavily influenced by his grandfather, who would take him to church every Sunday and encouraged his involvement in ranching. He never wanted to be anything but a cowboy and started helping neighbors as a ranch hand at the age of 12. He was given his first steer during his freshman year of high school. Trading the steer for a bred heifer, Bill began his career in the cattle business. Bill graduated from Livermore High School in 1948 and promptly rented 50 acres from his grandfather to get his official start in the sheep and cattle business. In 1964, he and his family moved to the Buckhorn Ranch in Murtaugh, Idaho. In 1973, Bill traded ranches with Old Joe Tugaw and they moved to a ranch in Kimberly, Idaho.

Bill valued doing the things he loved and encouraged others to pursue the things they were called to. He never had an interest in doing things solely because they made him money or gained him power. He surrounded himself with people who pursued the things they loved, which can be seen reflected in the lives of those who he is survived by.

His heart was with the land and he was deeply committed to agriculture. He served as a 4-H leader for 25 years, a part of his legacy that is carried on by his daughter Carol. He served in leadership positions with the Western Stockgrowers Association, Magic Valley Cattle Association, and Idaho Cattle Association. One achievement that he was very proud of was winning a court battle defending the water rights of the local grazing association.

Bill had a creative streak. He tooled leather and this inspired his daughter Nancy to continue this part of his legacy as a career. He enjoyed dutch oven cooking, bringing friends and family together over a good meal. In retirement, he crafted wagon wheel and antler chandeliers. In the last few months, he learned to play guitar singing Red River Valley, MacNamara’s Band and Amazing Grace. He was a lifelong learner.

After “retirement" Bill was called to serve as Twin Falls County Commissioner for 8 years. He had previously served for 10 years on the board of the Idaho Youth Ranch, which had kindled his passion for juvenile rehabilitation. During his time as Commissioner, he became very passionate about the "war at home" where "our young people are dying without a cause or purpose from drug and alcohol abuse." He was involved in 16 committees working to combat this problem. In response to the overcrowding in jails, he looked outside of the box for a solution and founded Bill's Place in 1999. It is a community-based home for recovering women who are transitioning out of adult corrections and working on becoming productive citizens. His son Jim is continuing this legacy as a Bill's Place Board Member. His involvement with programs like Bill's Place and the School Lunch Buddy program were some of his most fulfilling as he got to personally connect with people.

Bill loved life and held on to it tenaciously and optimistically in spite of facing many health challenges. Recently, he wrote many letters to the editor. In one, he talked about the "opportunity to enjoy life...to experience all the joys of life, the smell of fresh air, going to school and making new friends, participating in sports, exploring the mountains, the fresh air and water and the lifestyle we all enjoy." In another letter, he said "l have been a rancher for most of my life and am very proud to say my children, grandchildren, and now my great grandchildren all share my passion for raising the meat and food that we eat every day...Long Live the Cowboy!"

Composed by Charlotte Brockman and Maggie Gentert.

Bill is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, as well as many good friends.

There will be a funeral mass honoring Bill on June 16, 2023 at 3:00 pm, held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Buhl, with a special dinner following the service, served by the family of Bill.

There will also be a Rosary on June 15, 2023, starting at 6:00 pm, held at White- Reynolds Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to kindly encourage you to make a contribution towards:

Bill’s Place Transition Home

183 Rose St. N.

Twin Falls, ID 83301