James F. Mower, age 75, passed away July 20, 2011, at his home in Hot Springs, SD.

Jim was born October 16, 1935 in Hot Springs to George L. and Grace (Kirby) Mower. He graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1954. He served in the United States Army Military Police, Canine Unit from 1958 until his honorable discharge in 1960. He married Dolores Sakowski in 1961, they had two sons, John and Joseph.

Jim was a rancher in the Minnekahta Valley. He loved his family. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed his tractors, farming his land and hunting. He was especially gifted in mechanics and wood working.

Survivors include his son, Joseph Mower of Hot Springs; brothers, Bill (Mary Ellen) Mower of Shady Cove, OR; Thomas (Geni) Mower of North Las Vegas, NV; sister, Patricia (Terry) Plummer of Loveland, CO; two grandsons, Aaron and Nick and nephews, Chris and Kirt; and nieces Deb and Rhonda.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dolores and his son John.

Wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Father Peter Kovarik and Father Thomas Tierney officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.

A memorial has been established in Jim's name to benefit the American Diabetes Association.

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