A longtime resident of Lead, James Michael Clinton, died on Saturday April 22, 2017.

Jim was born on September 22, 1951, in Aberdeen, SD to Edward and Esther Clinton. The family moved to Pierre when Jim was 2 years old. Jim graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in 1969.

Jim moved to the Black Hills in the early 1970's, where he hired on at the Homestake Mine; first as a laborer, then a Contract miner. He lived at Trojan, N. or Terry Peak at the "miners house" below the old Trojan school house, with 2 other miners, not far from Bald Mt. and the "Hole in the Sky". After a couple years, he decided to do what miners used to do – go "tramp mining". He went to Casa Grande, Arizona to work for Hecla Mining Co, where his experience at Homestake made him one of the best jack leg drillers at Hecla. He worked there for a few years, then tramped back to Lead to hire on at Homestake again, buy a house, as he loved the Black Hills, and was done traveling and ready to put down roots. He then decided that he had enough mining and was ready to breathe clean air so he went to work for himself as a carpenter and had a wood-working shop.

He is survived by his sister, Stephanie; a son, Jammes Kristopher; and his nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother Edward.

As per his request, there will be no services.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com