James Patrick McDermott, 87, of Spearfish, SD, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at Spearfish Regional Hospital.

Vigil services will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2009 at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, with visitation for one hour prior to the vigil.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the church, with Father Tim Hoag as Celebrant. Burial will take place at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Saint Joseph's Catholic Church Alter Society.

James was born December 27, 1921 on a Wyoming homestead at Hilite. He graduated from Natrona Casper High School in 1941. He moved to San Diego, CA, for art school and enlisted in the United States Navy (1942-1946). He went into the Civil Service as a "graphic artist" at Pacific Missile Station in 1946 until 1956. James married Irene Vezina of Montreal, Canada at San Diego in 1951. He transferred to Point Mugu Missile Base near Oxnard, CA, in 1956 and retired in 1973. James then went into ranching east of Spearfish, fulfilling his lifelong dream. He retired from ranching in 1996. James had a lifelong interest in archeology, art, native history, treasure hunting, story telling and nature.

James is survived by his wife of 57 years, Irene McDermott of Spearfish, a sister, Kathaleen Weiser of Spearfish, daughters, Megara (Doug) Pullen of Arvada, CO, Terri (Gary) Newman of Newcastle, sons, James J. McDermott of Spearfish, Devin McDermott of Washington, and Danial McDermott of San Diego, 8 grandchildren: Bethany Newman, Orion Pullen, Ashley McDermott, Marilee Newman, Ericka Pullen, Devin, Donovan and Mackenzie McDermott, and great granddaughter Alexis Harlan.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Joseph and Rose Marie (Carney) McDermott and a sister Rose Ellen Yelloweiser.

James will be dearly missed by family and friends and his wild turkeys.