James "Jim" Melius
August 22, 1945 ~ January 21, 2019
James “Jim” Melius, 73, of Faulkton, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019, at the Faulkton Area Medical Center.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the United Church of Faulkton with Rev. Jon Damaska presiding. Burial followed in Faulkton Cemetery. A prayer service was held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the church with visitation one-hour prior.
James “Jim” Melius, 73, of Faulkton, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019, at the Faulkton Area Medical Center.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 24, 2019 at the United Church of Faulkton with Rev. Jon Damaska presiding. Burial will follow in Faulkton Cemetery. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at the church with visitation one-hour prior.
James William Melius was born August 22, 1945 in Faulkton, SD to Royal and Hollyse “Holly” (Pritchard) Melius. The youngest of their three children, he attended elementary school at Lafoon country school until the 8th grade, when he entered the Faulkton school. After graduating high school he attended mechanic’s school and played football at SDSTC in Springfield, SD where he met and married his wife, Ellen Ireland, on June 27, 1965. They started their life together east of Faulkton, farming and raising livestock (just cows and chickens – Dad didn’t want sheep and Mom didn’t want pigs). Jim served many years on the Lafoon township board, several of them as chairman. Later he served 12 years on the Dakota Ag board in St. Lawrence.
Jim’s love was farming and raising cattle. Later, he and Ellen went into partnership with his son, Keith, and his wife, Charlotte, farming and feeding cattle. In 2005 they purchased and then moved into the house that belonged to his late uncle Delos and Aunt Genevieve Melius. Jim was in the combine until the second to last day of fall harvest this year alongside his son, son-in-law, and granddaughters.
Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ellen; his children: Keith (Charlotte) of Faulkton, Jody (James) Stampe of Rapid City, and Lesli (Joshua) Jensen of Faulkton; his grandchildren: Sean, Johnathon, and Nicole Stampe of Rapid City and Brandi and Jori Melius of Faulkton; his sister, Sally (Robert) Dambacher of Sonora, CA; mother-in-law, Agnes Ireland of Faulkton; sisters-in-law: Judy Strachen of Mesquite, NV, Nancy (Howard) Hoffer of Bandon, OR, and Carol Ireland of Olivet, SD; aunt: Joetta Swanhorst of Aberdeen, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Royal and Holly Melius; one older brother, Donald Melius; father-in-law, Wilfred “Pat” Ireland; brothers-in-law: Richard and Dennis Ireland, Tom Strachen, Tom Broderick, Ed Wagoner; sister-in-law, Marilyn Ireland; and one nephew, Derek Dambacher.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Jim’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Ellen and family, We are so sorry to hear of the death of Jim. We are sending prayers🙏 and deep sympathy to all of you.
Ellen–thinking of you and the your family. Sending my love and sympathy.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. We extend our sympathy to his family. I knew Jim from the mid-1960’s when we were both going to college at Southern. Jim was a great guy. Sincerely, Carl & Marge Durfee-Navarre, Fl.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Bill Lauritzen thought very highly of Jim. My deepest condolences to you Ellen and your family. Char Ollier
Condolences to you and the entire Melius-Ireland extended family during this difficult time. The SHS class of 1962 is thinking of you and sending their hugs to help you through your time of grief and loss. Please tell your mom that we miss her and the church which we shared for so long. Del
Ellen & Family, We are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Jim was such a great caring person who gave us many unforgettable memories. Our deepest condolences. Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Ellen and family: I was sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I will remember your family in my prayers. CHERISH THE MEMORIES! Barb and Newell Ordal
Ellen, I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. My deepest sympathy for you and your family. Our love and prayers are with you at this time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim was a special person. He always took the time to say hi as he passed you on the street. Cherish the memories. God bless.
Sorry to hear the news of Jim passing away sending prays to his family, RIP Jim Class of 1963
Ellen and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will be thinking of you and sending up a prayer. God bless. Lori (Ford) Seager
I am sad to hear the passing of Jim. May your hearts be filled with his memory forever. Jim is with my Grandpa Richard Melius. From Daughter of Marlene Blanchard-Melius
I was sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Your family is in our thoughts.
Jim will be very much missed. We will have you all in our hearts as you move through this time. Love you all. Sarah
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
John and I are so very sorry for the loss of “big Jim”! John tella me he thought of him as a friend and enjoyed talking to him. Thinking of all at this time of loss! John & Michelle Carr
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family…we know how difficult it is to say good-bye to a husband, Dad, Grandfather, friend, etc., who has touched so many lives. May God bless you all with peace and strength that can only come from Him. Sending our love and a gentle hug across the miles and in Christ…
So sorry to hear of Jim’s death. He and my mom, JoAnne Buckley Cook (RIP), were 1st cousins. My sympathies and prayers are with his family. Dianna Quille