James Earl Glarborg

James Earl Glarborg, 80, of American Falls, Idaho passed away November 1st, 2026 in his home after a valiant battle with cancer. Jim was born January 29th, 1946 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Earl and Ethel Glarborg. The family grew when his brother Steven and sister Lois were born. The family later moved to Idaho where Jim's father set up roots as a farmer in Aberdeen, Idaho. This is where Jim remained while attending high school and helping on the farm.

While attending Idaho State University, he participated in ROTC and then later entered the Army as a second Lieutenant. From this, he answered the call to fight in the war in Vietnam where he advanced to becoming a major. He volunteered to stay in Vietnam to help with the clean up efforts after the war ended. When he returned home to Idaho, he went back to college to continue his education at University of Idaho to major in plant genetics. He later changed his career path to law, though his extreme love for plants and growing things never waivered. As a lawyer he had the opportunity to become the Deputy Attorney General of Agriculture for the state of Idaho. This later blossomed into his own law practice in American Falls, Idaho.

It was here that he set eyes on the love of his life, Nancy Huber. Jim married Nancy on June 2nd, 1984. From this union came the arrival of their daughter, Rebecca Jeanne. She very quickly became the apple of Jim's eye. Nothing made him prouder than being a father to his baby girl and, of course, Nancy's son James Huber. That was until the arrival of his 4 grandchildren Evan, Sarah, Michael and Harley. He was the most incredible grandfather and his pride increased so much more. Jim retired from his work as a lawyer and worked for many, many years at the Power County Sheriffs Office before he retired for good.

Jim was known to all of American Falls as the Garlic Man. Any and all who knew him knew where to go for garlic or gardening advice of any kind. When he wasn't working or being with his family, he could always be found in his gardens. He had so, so many over the years. There wasn't a time that he didn't have dirt under his fingernails. Jim also had a deep love of animals. In the 20 years that Jim and Nancy lived at the family farm in Aberdeen, he cared for his outdoor cats, always making sure they were fed and warm. Jim was also deeply rooted in Christ. His love for Jesus was very apparent and he raised a family to have the same values. In his final days, he spent talking about finally going home. He had no fear in the end, the same way he lived his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Ethel Glarborg and his son James Huber. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy Glarborg of American Falls, Idaho. His daughter Rebecca (Joseph) Gallegos of American Falls, Idaho. His grandchildren Evan Viles of Pocatello, Idaho, Sarah Gallegos of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Michael Gallegos and Harley Gallegos also of American Falls, Idaho. His brother Steven Glarborg, of Gladewater, Texas, his sister Lois (Michael) Marquette, of Chubbuck, Idaho, and many deeply cherished nieces and nephews and cousins.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice for their amazing care and compassion in Jim's Final days, as well as to Jim's grandson Evan Viles for never leaving his bed side and caring for his needs until his final breath.

In lieu of flowers, Jim greatly wanted people to donate to Boy Scout Unit #118 of American Falls through Carl Rudeen by calling (208) 249-6555 or through email sagegrouse21@gmail.com. 

Family and friends are invited to visit DavisRoseMortuary.com to share condolences, memories, and photos.