James A. Jordan

***  TO VIEW VIDEO TRIBUTE, CLICK WEBLINK ABOVE ***James A. Jordan, age 95 of Nisland, died Wednesday August 7th, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30 am Monday, August 12th, 2013 at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche with Pastor Paul Howard officiating.  Inurnment will take place in the Black Hills National Cemetery.Memorials are preferred to the Nisland Volunteer Fire Department. James Alton Jordan was born in Butte, Nebraska to Hattie (Eveland) and William Jordan.   Jim grew up in Bennett County on a farm.  During these hard years, he became good friends with the Ireland boys.  He enjoyed going to the dances on Saturday nights. He served in the CC Camp in Jonesboro Arkansas and eastern S.D. to help with his family's expenses.  Once he completed the camp, he farmed with his step-father. In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II, and served from March 17, 1942 until October 5, 1945.   Jim was proud to have served in North Africa and the European Theater.  He was Staff Sergeant for the 410th  Anti-aircraft Unit until they reached southern France.  There, his unit became an MP Company.  During this time, he was placed in charge of guarding Otto Skorzeny, a German Officer, considered the most dangerous man in Europe. Upon his arrival back to the states, he returned to SD and the farm.  On January 21, 1951 James was united in marriage to Joan Grable in Murdo, SD where their daughters Cheryl and Debra were born.  They then moved west to Nisland in 1956 where they still reside.  Their daughters Janet, Jennifer and son Brian completed the family.  Jim and Joan worked hard farming, raising cattle, sheep and a few pigs, ultimately becoming dairy farmers.  Jim cared about his livestock and his land, taking good care of both.  Jim was proud of the improvements he made to the farm.  He built a new home, landscaped, planted trees; all after his workday was done.  In the early 1990's, Jim was reunited with his army buddies.   He and Joan enjoyed traveling to yearly reunions with these dear friends. After retiring from farming, Jim pursued his true passion of art.  He started carving and painting  3-D wood pictures, successfully enough to have a showing at the Dahl Fine Arts Gallery.   He then started oil painting.  Anyone who knew Jim knew of his true gift.  His painting talent ranged from wildlife, scenery, flora and even cats.  He was always planning the next picture while finishing the current one.  He loved painting and he has one still in progress.    Jim enjoyed having his family close-by and their visits, always teasing the grand-kids.  Having loved and appreciated Jim (Dad) are his family:  wife Joan of 62 years, and their children: son, Brian (Carla) of Wright WY; daughters, Cheryl Hansen of Nisland, Debra (James) Hansen of Vale, Janet (Jim Reichert) Jordan of Rapid City, Jennifer (Bob Ellefson) Jordan of Rapid City; 5 grandsons, Matthew, Jarod , Reed, Lane, Earl; 6 granddaughters, Nicole, Jessica, Katelyn, Shelby, Torye, Meghan; 2 great granddaughters, Alison and Claire; and 1 sister, Georgie Hockenbary of Rapid City. James was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, George Hoffman; sisters, Marge Bucholz, and Katherine Richardson. Friends may leave written condolences and view Jim’s video tribute at www.funeralhomeofthenorthernhills.com