James "Jim" J. Geraets Sr.

James "Jim" J. Geraets Sr., 80, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Dell Rapids, passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024. His Memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will be one hour prior to the start of the mass. Inurnment will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis at a later date.

James was born on February 26, 1944 in Dell Rapids, SD, the oldest kid of George and Joyce (Nyhus) Geraets. He lived in the Dell Rapids area as a child and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1962. He started working for the quarry until enlisting in the Army National Guard. He served in the guard for 20 years. He married Connie Brandriet on June 25, 1966 in Sioux Falls. The couple moved to Hot Springs where they lived for 22 years and were blessed with their 8 children. Jim worked for the Veterans Administration in food service. The couple moved and followed Jim’s career. He started driving truck at the age of 59 and he and Connie traveled the US together. During that time the couple moved back to Dell Rapids. After Jim retired from trucking he worked at County Fair in Dell Rapids.

Jim was a member of the Hot Springs Fire Department and Ambulance. He was a lifetime member the the American Legion and a honorary lifetime member of the VFW. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Jim enjoyed traveling, playing cards and when he was younger playing basketball and bowling.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dale.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie of Sioux Falls; his 8 children, Raphael (Tammy) of Sioux Falls, Stephen (Kim) of St. Robert, MO, David (Martina) of Kerrville, TX, James Jr. of Springfield, Matthew (Holly) of New Port Beach, CA, Mary (Jesse) of Mustang, OK, Daniel (Katey) of Sioux Falls and Joseph (Sammie) of Milton, WA; his 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Ronald (Kathleen) Geraets of Ft. Collins, CO, George Geraets Jr. of Sioux Falls, Richard (Jean) Geraets of Sioux Falls; his sisters, Marie Kelm of Sioux Falls and Lori Clark of Sioux Falls; his sister-in-law, Laura Geraets of Dell Rapids; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church and Schools.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" J. Geraets Sr., please visit our floral store.