James Donald Egan, 75, Sturgis, died Monday, 11/09/2009, at the Fort Meade VA Hospital.

Visitation will be noon until 9 p.m. on Thursday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Rosary services will begin at 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Fr. Paul Dahms officiating. Burial with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard follows at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Memorials have been established to the Disabled American Veterans or the Meade County Senior Center.

James was born Irish, Catholic and Democrat on September 11, 1934 at Spokane, WA, to James Clifford and Martha Elizabeth (Cunningham). He grew up in Spokane and spent his teen years with his aunt and uncle in Montana. He joined the Air Force at an early age and served his country honorably. Upon receiving his discharge he went to work for the Lockheed Corporation. He was a superintendent when he quit in 1973. He lived in Lucerne Valley, CA, where he owned and operated a bar until 1979. He moved to South Dakota to enjoy retirement. He liked to play poker and other card games. He also liked to visit Deadwood.

James married Donna Lee Dachtler at Ft. Meade on August 14, 2008. They renewed their wedding vows on Sunday, November 8, 2009.

James was a lifetime member of the DAV and VFW. He was a former member of the American Legion. He was a volunteer at the John Tracy School for the Deaf in California.

Survivors include his wife Donna Egan, Sturgis; one son, Victor Egan, Clovis, CA; daughters, Katherine (Butch) Craig, Rapid City, Christine (Pete) Adhdsizad, Las Vegas, NV, Mary (Bill) Schwinden, Visalia, CA; sister, Pat Doolittle, Fresno, CA; step children, Scot (Marlene) Dannenbring, Rapid City, Sue (Leroy) Schlomer, Rapid City.

James said he was "Never much of a father, but a "Great" grandfather". Survivors also include 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one great grandchild.