James Blasius

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Obituary

James "Jim" Blasius, 85, of Lennox, SD, formerly of Kimball, SD, passed away peacefully Monday, June 8, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by family. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Friday, June 12, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Kimball. Private burial for immediate family will be at St. Margaret’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7:00 PM at the Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

“One more and we’re outta here.”

James Richard Blasius was born on January 20, 1941, to August and Alby Blasius in Kimball, SD. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1959 and, on May 29 of that same year, married the love of his life, Mary Ann Lomica. They were married for 67 years and built a life centered around family, friends, hard work, and the communities they called home.

Jim spent 36 years with Tri-County Electric, beginning as a lineman in 1962 before moving into an office role. Jim retired in 1998, then worked as a groundskeeper at Fish Lake Country Club in Plankinton, SD.

Family was everything to Jim. He loved being a husband and father, but being Grandpa was his favorite “job” of them all. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of his life. He rarely missed a game, enjoyed hearing what was happening in their lives, and, as Grandpas do, never passed up an opportunity to tease them, make them laugh, or spoil them. Time together with family was time well spent in Jim's eyes, and there was nowhere he'd rather be than surrounded by the people he loved.

Jim never knew a stranger for very long. He enjoyed visiting, telling stories, playing cards, and catching up with family and friends. If you stopped by for a quick visit, chances are you stayed longer than you planned. There was always another story to tell, another hand of cards to play, or another reason to pull up a chair and stay awhile.

You could often find Jim on a golf course, around a card table, or cheering on his Chicago Bears and Minnesota Twins. Golf was one of his favorite pastimes, and he was proud of the three holes-in-one he made over the years. He loved Pitch, Poker, and just about any card game that brought people together. Known as "Maverick" to many, he was a pretty good card player, although some around the table may have questioned his interpretation of the rules from time to time.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Blasius; children, Darmi (Jim) Vogel of Parker, SD, Brenda Sinclair of Tea, SD, Tina (Rick) Lauters of Lennox, SD, and Russell (Chris) Blasius of River Falls, WI; grandchildren: Jessica Vogel, Seth (Jennifer) Sinclair, Emily (Brett) Jordan, Preston Lauters, and Madison Lauters; and his great-grandchildren: Trinity Skrondahl, Taleah McCray, Lyna Jordan, and Hayes Jordan; and siblings, Gary Blasius of Sahuarita, AZ, Dianna “Tiny” Coley of California, Carol “Cory” (Darold) Thomas of Kimball, SD, Teresa (Curt) Sharping of Sioux Falls, SD, Sue (Gary) Mahrt of Oacoma, SD, and Linda (Jerry) Jensen of Gregory, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August and Alby Blasius; parents-in-law, Alma and Frank Lomica; brother, Glenn Blasius; and his grandson, Reed Blasius.

Jim will be remembered for the love he had for his family, the friendships he built, the example he set, and the countless memories he leaves behind. He taught us the value of hard work, showing up for the people you love, and never giving up. Throughout his life, he faced more than his share of health challenges, but he met them with determination and an unwillingness to quit. He simply wasn't a quitter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Kimball School District Angel Fund. The fund helps pay off student lunch balances and ensures children in the community have access to nutritious meals.

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