James Anton Marx was chosen on May 11, 2015, by God to become an Angel. After a brief illness, Jim left this world whole, pain free, and when he was ready.

Jim was born September 14, 1945, in Sturgis, SD, to Lois (Symonds) and Sylvester John Marx. He joined older brothers Gene Talley and Jerry Marx. The three of them would later be joined by Judy (Lemke), JoAnn (Webb), Frank McDaniel, Cindy McDaniel, and Mona (Rabern). Quite a handful for Grandma Lois.

He was homecoming king in 1963 and graduated from Dupree High School in 1964 at the top of his class (according to Jim). He enlisted in the US Air Force, serving exactly one full year in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, Jim continued his military career in the SD National Guard, serving his country for a total of 13 ½ years.

Jim married Terri Martin in 1971 and to this union, three children were born; Tammi, Jamie, and Caryn. Jim and Terri parted ways in 1978.

Jim also spent 20 plus years married to Bonnie Morris. Her children, Shelly, Jody, Jason, and Cody, were as blessed as we were to have grown up with dad.

Jim took great pride in his business, Jim's Automotive. This was his outlet for finding the fabulous cars he restored, specifically a certain 1967 cherry red Camaro. We spent many summers in fields with Counts Car Club so dad could show off that gorgeous car. Who knew his passion for that car would ever come second? But it did, when Jim got grandkids. That's when his real passion showed up.

Jim became a first-time grandpa on January 14, 1993. Cassandra JoAnn showed up to forever steal his heart. She became the light and twinkle in his eye and the reason he started growing plums.

Tyler GW arrived October 4, 1994, and once again it was love at first sight for Jim. He had a "Bud."

There was a 20 year gap in grandbabies but on July 14, 2014, Alyssa "Punkin" Rae Ann was born to Caryn Marx and Brian Wood. She became Jim's babysitter every Saturday morning. He looked his happiest when she was sleeping in his arms.

Tessa Ann, born to Jamie and Alisha showed up August 11, 2014. All Jim could do was talk about getting to Minnesota to see her more often.

Not a person walked by Jim who didn't get treated or tortured by photo albums of pictures of his four grandkids. They truly lit up his eyes and were his reason for living.

Jim moved from Edgemont, SD, to Sturgis, SD, in December of 2014. Who knew we'd only have four months left. Love you to the moon and beyond, Pops!

Those left to remember Jim and celebrate his life are his children, Tammi, Jamie, and Caryn; brothers, Frank and Jerry; sisters, Judy, Cindy, JoAnn, and Mona; and numerous nieces and nephews. Most importantly, also surviving are the lights of his life, Cassandra, Tyler, Alyssa, and Tessa, his grandkids. My, my, how he loved you four grandkids more than words can express.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Lois; father, Sylvester; brother, Gene; and numerous other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 15, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Brother Duane Lemke officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sturgis Veteran's Honor Guard.

An education fund has been established for his grandkids.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.