James "Jim" M. Harrison, 79, of Sturgis, died Friday, October 30, 2020, at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City as a result of an automobile accident. Jim was the 2nd child of four born to Bill and Pearl (Davis) Harrison on February 12, 1941, in McPherson County, SD. He attended country school in Forbes, ND, through the 8th grade and then graduated from Forbes High School in 1959. He joined the Army in 1959, had his one "cruise" to Korea, got out in 1962, and came home to work on the family farm.
Jim married Rita Ellsworth on May 27, 1962. To this union, five children were born. They farmed for 10 years until 1972, when they moved to Colman, SD. Jim went back to school at the Pipestone Technical Institute while working as a Vet Tech for Doc Don Phillips. In February of 1975, the family moved to the farm in Mitchell, SD, where Jim went to work for the Production Credit Association (PCA). After a few years, he worked at the Aberdeen PCA. In 1980, he took a job with Clinton State Bank in Clinton, MN. In November of 1981, the family went to Timber Lake, SD, as he continued his career with the PCA. In 1987, Jim began his long career as vice president of agriculture at First Western Bank in Sturgis, SD. This is where the family has stayed.
Jim was an avid collector of animals throughout his life, starting with St. Bernards and Siberian Huskies early, on the farm. Throughout the years there were dogs, sheep, goats, raccoons, horses, and rabbits. So many rabbits. He had a love of horses and at one point he was raising over 20 miniature horses. They were a constant source of work for the entire family, but a constant source of enjoyment for him. The family was in parades and shows with his minis and custom-built carts, some 2-wheeled, some built for a team. When hooves needed trimming or ice needed breaking, he got up and started calling in the cavalry.
Jim loved a good auction. Every weekend there were auctions to go to. He met so many people and formed friendships throughout those sales.
Jim loved to cook. Many times we would get our fill of pie crusts, bread, and donuts because he didn't quit until he had them perfected. We attended many area chili cook-offs through the years. For a few years it got pretty competitive with him and the Dr. Bernie Fields' family. Dad loved to win.
Jim's favorite things in the world were his family: first his children, then his grandkids. He had a soft spot for those girls. Every one of them had a special place in his heart. He had so many granddaughters in a row, we think he'd given up on more grandsons. He loved to share his knowledge and tease them. He was an early bird, so beware if you didn't get up when he called. He may come in singing, playing a harmonica, or leading one of his miniature horses into your room. He loved a good practical joke and he always had a story to tell.
Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita; his children, Debra Harrison, Moorcroft, WY, and Douglas Harrison (Robin Clarke), Shawn (Carla) Harrison, Robin (Jed) Korth, and Dustin (Stephanie) Harrison, all of Sturgis; and his grandchildren, Jamie (Tim) Helms, Jessica (Sage) Porter, Ryan and Rilley Harrison, Chelsea and Hunter Harrison, Libby and Connor Korth, Lexi (Blake) Burtzlaff, Sydney Harrison, Kylie Nelson, Elliott Brooke, Tawnee and Ashlee Harrison, and Aidan Wood. He also had 3 ½ great grandchildren, Aamira, James, and Matthew Helms, and Baby Burtzlaff coming in 2021. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Jim) Bilbrey, Circle Pines, MN; his brother, Kenny (Merla) Harrison, Baltic, SD; and he had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who all loved him dearly.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Pearl Harrison; his sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Wilbur Shuck; his daughter-in-law, Shana Harrison; and his mother-in-law, Berniece Voeller.
A public visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
The memorial service will be live-streamed on the Kinkade Funeral Chapel Facebook Page beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Inurnment with military honors will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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