James Nafziger passed away peacefully October 24, 2011, at Western Hills Health Center, Denver, CO.

Jim was born on September 11, 1928, in Spencer, SD, the 6th of 8 siblings, to Chester and Elsie Nafziger. He moved to The Black Hills Ordinance Depot in Igloo, SD, with his parents in 1943. He graduated from Provo High School in Igloo in 1946. Jim served in the United States Army for 4 years, part of which was duty in Korea. After his military service he attended Carroll College in Helena, MT.

After college Jim traveled around taking up various occupations, some of which were: Letter Carrier for United States Post Office in CA; Youth Counselor Facilitator for Big Sky Ranch in MT; government position for Bureau of Land Management in Billings, MT; Dam Management in the Black Hills, SD. Jim had many hobbies including spending time at the family cabin in Spearfish Canyon. His greatest hobby was piloting his small aircraft, which he taught himself to fly. Jim spent his retirement years in Hot Springs, South Dakota, especially enjoying his many friends and the close community, and let's not forget about his daily trips to the Hot Springs Plunge.

Jim is survived by his sister, Margaret and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Nanette Cox, Arlene Mossman and Norma Stockdale and his three brothers, Frank, Bill and Dan Nafziger.

Wake will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 28, 2012 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Hot Springs.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 29, 2012, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with Father Peter Kovarik officiating.

Interment will be at 2:30 p.m., June 29, 2012, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

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