J.R. Simplot, agribusiness giant, dies in Idaho

May 26th, 2008 in Other Sciences / Other
J.R. Simplot, potato and computer chip king, dies (AP)

In this April 1, 1999 file photo, billionaire J.R. Simplot is seen at his office in the Simplot Building in downtown Boise, Idaho. A coroner says Simplot died Sunday, May 25, 2008, at his home in Boise at the age of 99. Simplot was known as the spud king of America whose wealth also helped create one of the world's biggest computer chip makers. (AP Photo/Troy Maben)

(AP) -- J.R. Simplot left home in 1923 at age 14 with four gold coins given to him by his mother. He ended his life as the spud king of America and one of the nation's richest men.

Content from The Associated Press expires 15 days after original publication date. For more information about The Associated Press, please visit www.ap.org .