Area V – Southeast Idaho

James 'Dale' McFarland

Commission Chair

PO Box 322
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
(208) 776-5372
Email: link@dcdi.net

Appointed by Governor Dirk Kempthorne on 7/26/2002 for a four-year term expiring on 7/01/2006. Elected Commission Chair in January 2003. Reappointed by Governor James E. Risch on 7/01/2006 for a four-year term expiring 7/01/2010.  Re-elected Chair 11/2006.

Bio:

James Dale McFarland was born Aug. 1, 1940, in Rupert, Idaho, to Darrel and Erna McFarland. He grew up on a farm just outside of Heyburn, Idaho that had been homesteaded by his grandparents. Upon graduation from Minico High School he attended Magic Valley Christian College located in Albion, Idaho, for two years. He then attended Idaho State College in Pocatello for a year. He returned to Magic Valley College where he graduated with BS in education. Dale also did graduate work at Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas, and at ISU.

Dale began teaching in the Marsh Valley School District in 1963 where his emphasis was on history and government. He also coached and was the athletic trainer. He was given the honor of being in the Who’s Who in American Teachers several different years. Dale retired from teaching in 2000 after teaching 37 years.

Some extra curricular activities that he has been a part of has been serving on the city council of Lava and serving Bannock county for 27 years as an Emergency Medical Technician. He has received numerous certificates of appreciation for the service that he has rendered to his City, County, and State.

In 1961 Dale married Linda Kay Ashcraft. They have two sons, Jeffery and Bradley, three granddaughters, and one grandson. Linda Kay is a certified Medical Assistant who has spent many years assisting seniors with their special medical needs. Their hobby now is to travel in their fifth wheel all over Idaho meeting new people.