February 12, 1941– October 30, 2020
James “Jim” M. Harrison, 79, of Sturgis died Friday, October 30, 2020 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City as a result of an automobile accident.
Jim was born on February 12, 1941, in McPherson County, the second child of four born to Bill and Pearl (Davis) Harrison. He attended country school in Forbes, ND through the 8th grade and graduated from Forbes High School in 1959. He joined the Army in 1959, had his one “cruise” to Korea, was discharged in 1962, and came home to work on the family farm.
Jim married Rita Ellsworth on May 27, 1962. To this union, five children were born. They farmed for 10 years until 1972, when they moved to Colman, SD. Jim went back to school at the Pipestone (MN) Technical Institute while working as a vet tech for Doc Don Phillips.
In February of 1975, the family moved to the farm at Mitchell, where Jim went to work for the Production Credit Association (PCA). He later worked at the Aberdeen PCA. In 1980, he took a job with Clinton State Bank in Clinton, MN.
In November of 1981, the family went to Timber Lake, as he continued his career with the PCA. In 1987, Jim began his long career as vice-president of agriculture at First Western Bank in Sturgis. This is where the family has stayed.
Jim was an avid collector of animals, starting with St. Bernards and Siberian Huskies early, on the farm. Throughout the years there were dogs, sheep, goats, raccoons, horses, and rabbits. So many rabbits. He had a love of horses and at one point he was raising over 20 miniature horses. They were a constant source of work for the entire family, but a constant source of enjoyment for him. The family was in parades and shows with his minis and custom-built carts, some two-wheeled, some built for a team. When hooves needed trimming or ice needed breaking, he got up and started calling in the cavalry.
Jim loved a good auction. Every weekend there were auctions to go to. He met many people and formed friendships throughout those sales.
Jim loved to cook. Many times the family would get their fill of pie crusts, bread, and donuts because he didn’t quit until he had them perfected. He attended many chili cook-offs through the years.
Jim’s favorite things in the world were his family: first his children, then his grandkids. He had a soft spot for those girls. Every one of them had a special place in his heart. He loved to share his knowledge and tease them. He was an early bird, so beware if you didn’t get up when he called. He may come in singing, playing a harmonica, or leading one of his miniature horses into your room. He loved a good practical joke and he always had a story to tell.
Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita; his children, Debra Harrison, Moorcroft, WY, and Douglas Harrison (Robin Clarke), Shawn (Carla) Harrison, Robin (Jed) Korth, and Dustin (Stephanie) Harrison, all of Sturgis; his grandchildren, Jamie (Tim) Helms, Jessica (Sage) Porter, Ryan and Rilley Harrison, Chelsea and Hunter Harrison, Libby and Connor Korth, Lexi (Blake) Burtzlaff, Sydney Harrison, Kylie Nelson, Elliott Brooke, Tawnee and Ashlee Harrison, and Aidan Wood; three great-grandchildren, Aamira, James, and Matthew Helms, and Baby Burtzlaff expected in 2021. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Jim) Bilbrey, Circle Pines, MN; his brother, Kenny (Merla) Harrison, Baltic, SD; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Pearl Harrison; his sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Wilbur Shuck; his daughter-in-law, Shana Harrison; and his mother-in-law, Berniece Voeller.
A public visitation was held November 3, 2020, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. The memorial service was live-streamed on the Kinkade Funeral Chapel Facebook page on Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Inurnment with military honors will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.