‘Doc’ Lucas Moving On - Again After 15 Years In Legislature, He’s Ready To Try Something Different

Some call him Luke, many know him as Doc and yet others could bellow Idaho spud and he would answer.

But whatever name you give him, never call James Lucas a pessimist.

“I’m a cock-eyed optimist,” Lucas said smiling. “You have to have faith that the world can be made better.”

And many would agree that during his almost 15 years in the Idaho Legislature, the House Republican has made Idaho a better place to live and work.

Lucas, 74, moved to Clearwater County with his family in 1936. In 1942, he enrolled in the pre-veterinary program at the University of Idaho until World War II interrupted his studies.

He and his brothers went off to war and all returned. Lucas served in the U.S. infantry from 1943 to 1946 and finished his UI degree in 1951.

“Someone once said you can’t come back and put on your old clothes,” he said.

“Those memories fade over time but they never go away.”

After graduation, Lucas began work in the veterinary field. At that time he told his wife, Vi, he would change careers every 15 years.

“We have (changed careers every 15 years),” he said. “It’s never been boring, just a matter of keeping up. I’ve been in the Legislature over 15 years and it’s time for a change.”

Some things, however, never change. “I’ve been an activist, so I think I’ll be an activist now,” Lucas said.

In addition to work as a veterinarian, Lucas was a cattle rancher and worked in the logging industry, while still taking time to enjoy hunting and fishing. From 1972 to 1974 he served as Latah County commissioner.

Before and during his stint as a commissioner, Lucas said he had a major impact on the area before moving to the Legislature.

“I helped build the Kibbie Dome, preserve the community center, helped build the building at the Latah County Fairgrounds,” he said.

“When I was commissioner, taxes went down. Not many can say that.”

The first time Lucas ran for the Legislature in 1976 he got beat by 29 votes. In 1982, he was appointed by then-Lt. Gov. Phil Batt to finish Joe Walker’s term.

“Being a legislator fit me very well - I like everyone you know,” Lucas said. “People like to hear my corny stories and I make ‘em up like a machine gun.”

Lucas said freshmen legislators are supposed to be seen, not heard - but that didn’t happen with him. He said there were tuition bills to defeat and public television to fund right off the bat.

“I wasn’t any green freshman,” he said, thumbing through a box of yellowed newspaper clippings that serve as a written record of his time in the Legislature. Of the many stories that give an account of legislative sessions, a common thread is helping kids and building the education system.

“I focused a long time on family values and religion but I finally realized it went beyond the reach of family because so many had no family,” He feels the future of children is the community’s responsibility.

Working in the Legislature had Lucas following a demanding schedule, 18-hour days and six hours of sleep.

Vi Lucas always stayed in Boise during the three-month legislative sessions and, as he puts it, “I couldn’t have made it without her.”

“We’ve enjoyed every year of it,” said Vi Lucas, his wife of 46 years.

Lucas laughs as he gives an example of how this fast-paced life has taken its toll.

“I used to be 6 feet 4 inches tall and 235 pounds but being a legislator just ground me down,” he said laughing. He’s now 6 feet 2 inches tall and 210 pounds.

Although leaving is sad for Lucas, he said no one is irreplaceable.

However, he doubts anyone is willing to work as hard as he has.

“It takes time to establish yourself as a reliable, happy and articulate witness,” he said.

Now that he has a bit more time on his hands, Lucas said he will continue to plant trees at his home about two miles south of Moscow, feed and catch fish in his pond and tend to his cattle. And people are always looking for an emcee or guest speaker, he said.

“There are always too many things to be done.”

As the Legislature finds itself with more demands on its budget, Lucas predicts more decisions will be made in the local communities and he does not yet know what his role will be.

But given his interest in preserving a better future for today’s youth, there always will be a need for Lucas and people like him.

“He will never completely retire,” Vi Lucas added, smiling.