James Robert Fuhrmann Sr., 82, Custer, SD, passed away January 5, 2012, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

He leaves behind his devoted and loving family, including his four children; daughter, Linda and son-in-law, David Westfall of Ehrenberg, AZ; sons, James, Jr. and adopted son Robert Clarke of Custer; Victor and daughter-in-law, Shelley Fuhrmann of Hill City; Robert and daughter-in-law, Cindy Fuhrmann of River Falls, WI; together with 4 grandchildren and their families, which include 4 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Virginia of Spearfish; along with numerous nieces, one nephew, and many other wonderful and loving extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Arlene Mae Fuhrmann. Also, by his brother, Donald Fred Fuhrmann, his adopted father, Winfield "Buddy", his mother, Gladys Fuhrmann, and his biological father, Fred Singpiel.

James served in the Army during the Korean War and then in the National Guard. He worked in South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Alaska as a telephone lineman until his retirement. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. James had a sense of adventure and wasn't afraid to go after it.

Memorial services held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, at Community Lutheran Church in Hill City with Rev. Craig Wexler officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.