Byron Jay Stovern, 74

Byron Jay “BJ” Stovern, 74, of Kingston, Idaho, passed away March 8, 2020 at the Shoshone Medical Center of Kellogg. He was born February 20, 1946 in Colfax, Washington; BJ was the son of Nils and Ila (Edwards) Stovern.

BJ attended and graduated High School in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Shortly thereafter he met and married the love of his life Kay Gilbert on June 4, 1966. Together they raised five boys.

In 1967, BJ with his two brothers and father started Stovern Supply auto parts store. Over time they expanded from the initial two locations of Wallace and Kellogg to four, adding Post Falls and Pinehurst. BJ worked tirelessly at the store until his retirement in 2012.

BJ was known as a morning person, never needing an alarm to wake up to get one of his sons to a sporting event or school. BJ also loved sports and could be found on the sidelines supporting his sons and letting the referees know just what he thinks. His love for sports carried on through the years as he looked forward to attending his grandchildren’s games and cheering them on. He had a special ability of embarrassing his children and encouraging his grandchildren.

BJ loved traveling both domestically and abroad. Over the years BJ, Kay and family have spent time in numerous countries including Spain, Norway, China, Germany, Czech Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, Canada, Mexico, and numerous Caribbean islands. Domestic travels included Alaska, Florida, all over the Pacific Northwest, and his personal favorite Hawaii. He and Kay have taken many trips over the years to visit the Islands. BJ loved nothing more than driving to every corner of the islands to see what was around the next bend.

BJ is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years Kay Stovern; five sons Brian (Shari) Stovern, Aaron (Katy) Stovern, Chris (Aubrey) Stovern, Danny (Andrea) Stovern and James (Jen) Stovern; twelve grandchildren Eli, Ryan, Sylvia, Cameron, Parker, Lillian, Lucas, Chloe, Justin, Sebastian, Skyler and Tyrion; his brother Bob (Dana) Stovern, his nephews Mike (Debi) Stovern, Scott (Jen) Stovern, Craig (Tina) Stovern and his niece Sandie (David) Houston. BJ was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gary and his granddaughters Alicia and Annabel.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 at 1:00 P.M., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints of Pinehurst with Bishop Lakko officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at Shoshone Memorial Gardens of Kingston.

You may share your memories of BJ and sign his guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com

SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORY KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with services.