James Todd Bultsma

March 17, 1959 — May 19,2026

James "Jim" Todd Bultsma, a man of deep faith and tireless work ethic, passed away peacefully at home on May 19,2026, following a courageous battle with Stage 4 cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his wife, sister and hospice caregivers as he entered the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Born in Chicago to Frank and Bettie (Schelhaas) Bultsma, Jim’s heart always pulled him toward his South Dakota roots. After high school, he headed west to Platte to drive cattle trucks for his Uncle Ted, eventually settling in Rapid City where he worked for Nash Finch and Dan DuganTrucking. It was there he met the love of his life, Jana Birdsall. The two married in 1985 and spent their early years together traveling the country as an over-the-road trucking team for his Uncle Lloyd.

In Hot Springs, Jim transitioned from the road to the workshop, apprenticing under his father-in-law, Monte Birdsall, to become a skilled custom boot and saddle maker.

His commitment to his community was rivaled only by his commitment to family; over nine years, Jim and Jana opened their home as foster parents to 44 youth. Jim later established himself as a pillar of the local business community as the Owner/Broker of Heartland Real Estate, serving on numerous committees dedicated to the development of the Southern Hills.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a younger brother, and many beloved aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jana; sister Mari (Ron) Kukral; brother Daniel (Debbie) Bultsma; and many treasured nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a foster daughter who remained a permanent part of his heart, Michelle (Rory) Cazer, and granddaughters Kyme (Shaun) Blumer and Tamar Cazer.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to an organization dear to Jim’s heart: Southern Hills Realtors for Kids. 100% of donations directly serve children and youth in the Southern Black Hills.

Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs, SD.