James passed away at home on Friday January 7, 2022 of natural causes.

A private service will be held this spring.

There will be a celebration of life at Sally O'Malley's on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 4pm. All are welcome to come and share memories at 3064 Covington St Rapid City, SD 57701.

Born June 2, 1971, James was raised in the Black Hills area. He attended high school in New Underwood then went on to Rocky Mountain College Votech School in Billings, MT. James entered a career in truck driving when he met his son's mother, Karen, they began over-the-road trucking. He took a job at Roadway in Rapid City, shortly after his son Jon was born.

James was known to his family and friends as a big teddy bear. He never knew a stranger, and he had a heart as big as he was.

He loved to ride motorcycles, have cook-outs, sing karaoke, and play cribbage. James also loved his son and his dogs dearly.

He left us way too soon and will be missed by so many.

James is survived by his parents, James W. Sr and Alice M. (Ellison) Pahkamaa (Rapid City); son, Jonathan J. Pahkamaa and his fiancé Tabitha Grundahl (New Underwood); sister, Cynthia and her husband Carl Holloman and their family (Sioux Falls); brother, Martin and his wife Sheri Pahkamaa and their family (Alaska).

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Pahkamaa family at: PO Box 284 New Underwood, SD 57761