|
|
James "Jim" Kjerstadof Wall, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, April 7, 2010
|
James Frances Kjerstad was born June 24, 1936 at Hot Springs, South Dakota to Melvin and Clarice Kjerstad. Other than spending a few years in Washington State while his father built ships for World War II he grew up on the family farm north of Quinn along with his sister Dorothy.
Jim graduated from Quinn High School in 1954 and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1958. While attending SDSU he met Mary Cowan and soon after graduation they married and moved back to West River. Following college Jim worked for the Soil and Water Conservation District in Belle Fourche and Kadoka. In 1960, Jim moved his family back to the farm north of Quinn and went into partnership with his father Melvin. They ran a small herd of cattle and farmed wheat. While on the farm Jim implemented several land conservation projects which also included the construction of the first 9 hole golf course in the area named the Circle K Ranch Golf course.
Jim was an active participant in many local organizations including: the United Methodist Church, Toast Masters, the Masonic Lodge, the Elks Club, the Eastern Pennington Soil and Water Conservation, the Wall Chamber of Commerce, Wall Cemetery Board and the Jaycee’s.
In 1966, he won the nomination he received from the Jaycee’s for the South Dakota State Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.
Jim always had the talent to recognize the needs of his fellow farmers, ranchers and community members so he obtained his insurance license and opened Kjerstad Insurance Agency in 1963. Recognizing another need he later obtained his real estate broker’s license and formed Kjerstad Associates Inc.
Jim always credited his desire to hold public office to the leadership skills he obtained through the Jaycee organization. Jim served on the Wall City Council for 12 years and also served a term as President while being active in the South Dakota Municipal League.
With the encouragement of many of the farmers and ranchers in Eastern Pennington County Jim ran for Pennington County Commissioner and was elected to serve 4 terms. Jim was always willing to take on bureaucracy and tell it like it was. His dedicated leadership produced many benefits to the agriculture community and he fought tirelessly for the rural community on many issues such as prairie dogs, clean water projects, weed and pest control, roads, cattle guards, and the Pennington County Fair Board.
During his time on the Commission one of the projects that he was the most proud of was the building of the Event Center at the Central States Fair Grounds which was recently renamed in his honor. It was designed to house many events such as horse shows, rodeos, livestock events, go-kart racing, bike racing, trade shows and projects for the young people and the young at heart.
Jim always enjoyed being a builder in the community. Whether it be a city park, curb and gutter project, county road improvement, a new jail, or building a public building he wanted to serve the best interest for the people.
Jim was honored to serve on the “Save Ellsworth Task Force” which was beneficial to the entire region. He was also extremely honored to receive a Lifetime achievement award from the Wall-Badlands area Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and the Aggie of the Year from the Ag & Natural Resources Committee of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce in 2009.
In one of the rare occasions when Mary was able to get Jim to take a vacation they traveled to Norway to see the country of their ancestry. They traveled with friends and an alumni group from SDSU which made the trip even more memorable.
The other favorite family vacation spot has been in the south eastern part of the United States visiting his daughter and her family. The entire family became fans of the Auburn University football team because of his oldest granddaughter played piccolo in the Auburn marching band.
All very proud to have been a part of his life include his wife Mary of 52 years; two daughters – Julie and husband James Getting- Shalimar, Florida and Jill Parker - Rapid City; Five grandchildren Ashley, Brenton and Lynsey Getting all currently attending Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, Abbie Clark graduate of Black Hill State University and Laney Clark currently attending the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. His sister Dorothy Denke, nephews Mike, Pat, Mark and Paul Denke, niece LeAnn “Denke” King and families. This list would not be complete without including all his many friends and relatives he has shared a cup of coffee and donut with over the years at the Wall Drug Store.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Melvin and Clarice Kjerstad, granddaughter Kelsey Getting and brother-in-law Leroy Denke.
Visitation was held one hour prior to the services.
Memorial services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 10, at the Wall Community Center, with Pastor Sheri Fadley and Father Mike Hight officiating.
Private family interment will be in the Wall Cemetery.
A memorial has been established.
Memorial services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 10, at the Wall Community Center,