Jim Petoske, age 67, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully June 27th, 2025 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, after a long and courageous battle with multiple medical conditions with his wife Barbara and family by his side.

James Peter Petoske was born May 1, 1958 in Pierre, SD, the only son of Clarence and Arline (Nelson) Petoske. He joined 4 sisters Barbara, Carol, Jodene, and Jill in the new house on the hill in Midland, SD. He was also the first baby baptized in the newly constructed Catholic Church in Midland.

Jim received his elementary and secondary education in Midland, graduating in 1976. He enjoyed football, basketball, and fast cars in high school. Turning the wrench came naturally for him and he went on to Springfield Technical School and graduated with a 2-year mechanics degree. It only seemed fitting for him to come back and work for his dad’s construction company. With Smokey’s guidance he eventually bought Petoske Construction and ran it for 34 years.

Jim met Barb McCormick from Kadoka and there was an immediate romance. On August 10th, 1979 they married in the Catholic Church in Midland and worked on their marriage for almost 46 years. In 1980 they built their house on the hill and the transformation of the hill began. Jim was very creative with their yard and landscaping for years getting it just right. And, we can’t forget the many trees he nurtured too!

In 1981 the surprise twins were born — Kory James and Kevin Earl. Then the girls, Lori Jo in 1984 and Amy Mae, 1989, completed the family. Many years of running the business and going to activities for the kids began. He made the extra effort to get to as many of the kids’ activities as he could. He was extremely proud of all their effort and accomplishments.

Being a businessman in a small town you get involved. And he did! He served on the Church board, Commercial Club, helped with the museum and the State LICA group, where he served on the board and also took a term as President. Many business acquaintances became lifelong friends and always remembered his slogan, “We’ll Do Your Dam Work.”

As health issues began, Jim was forced to retire early and was grateful to his nephew Jon for buying the business and adding it to his existing trenching business. Smokey’s business continues on. To be closer to medical care and family, he and Barb sold their property and bought their house on Shaw Ave in Sioux Falls. Grandkids were coming and they could be involved and help out with them when needed. He was also busy with his little side hustle “Jim’s Junk.” He crafted license plate art, along with many projects made out of all kinds of material. Jim had an artistic flare and great vision and truly enjoyed making things. He was extra proud of all the grandkids’ interests and effort in sports, school, music, etc. They will miss Papa being in attendance and keeping stats.

The family is truly grateful to all the healthcare professionals everywhere who did their very best to figure out Jim’s medical complexities. Doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers, EMTs, etc. You are so very important and we thank you for it all!

Survivors include his wife Barbara of Sioux Falls; sons Kory (April) of Harrisburg and Kevin (Emily) of Sioux Falls; daughters Lori (Nick) Yunker of Cheyenne, WY, and Amy (Jordan) Miller of Alcester, SD. 8 grandchildren: Reese, Alexis, Gavin and Sam Petoske, Evalyn and Eric (plus new baby in July) Miller and Cannon and Hannah Yunker. Sisters Barbara (Morris) Jones of Midland, Carol Snook of Alton, IL, Jody (Gary) Block of Midland, Father-in-law, Robert McCormick of Philip, SD, sisters-in-laws Marcia McCormick of Kadoka, Nancy (Marv) Majerus of Buffalo WY; brother-in-law Bob Eckert of Kadoka and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Arline Petoske, sister Jill Eckert, mother-in-law Ardis McCormick, and brother-in-law Leland Snook.

Christian Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at St. William Catholic Church in Midland.

Christian Committal Service will follow at the Midland Cemetery.