James Albert Meyer was born July 3, 1931, in Sturgis, SD, to Frank and Hattie (Mailloux) Meyer. He grew up and attended school in Sturgis. Following school, he worked for a short time at Howkola Refinery. In 1949, he joined the Air Force where he served four years and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. When he came home from the service, he married Marlys Tippey on November 28, 1954. They had two daughters, Debbie and Sandi "Jayne."

In 1962, Jim and his brother, Vernon "Tuffy," opened up the Meyer Brothers Auto Repair Shop in Sturgis. Following this business venture, he went to work for Wheeler Lumber & Bridge in Whitewood, SD. He then semi-retired and purchased the Southside Carwash in Sturgis where he enjoyed frequent trips back and forth in his Jeep.

Jim "Gramps" enjoyed life to the fullest. Some things he enjoyed with his family and friends were hunting, fishing, archery, motorcycling, water skiing, square dancing, karate, S'mores and barbecues on the patio, and camping. Gran and Gramps enjoyed the outdoor life so much. They built a cabin on their property by Deadwood where they spent many days with family and friends playing horseshoes, cards, hunting, and weekend trips with their grandchildren. When they were not at the cabin, they logged many miles touring the Black Hills in their camper. Jim and Marlys both learned to fly and were proud owners of a two-passenger plane. He also spent hours building and flying model airplanes. Jim lived a full life and his family and friends will miss him greatly. He has left us all with many cherished memories.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years Marlys; two daughters, Debbie Christensen of Harrisburg, SD, and Sandi "Jayne" (Bryce) Sigman of Sturgis, SD; two brothers, Vernon "Tuffy" (Bonnie) Meyer and Bill (Judy) Meyer and his sister, Betty Griffin, all of Sturgis, SD; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Nels Christensen; one brother-in-law, Lyle Tippey; and one sister-in-law, Jean Miller.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 6, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis with Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the First Presbyterian Church.

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