James (Jim) Parker, 66, of Spearfish, SD, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Hospice House in Rapid City, SD. Jim passed surrounded by loved ones and with his wife by his side.

Jim was born December 21, 1957 in Lemmon, SD, to Merrill Jr. and Lennice Parker.  He attended Lemmon High School and graduated in 1976.   He then attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, earning his degree in Mining Engineering in 1981. Jim spent 6 years in Georgia working in his field before returning to Spearfish. Jim worked for NJS Engineering later to become Interstate Engineering from 1987 until 2016 when he retired due to medical reasons.  In 2012 Jim met and married the love of his life, Linda. Throughout the next 12 years Jim and Linda cared for and supported each other.  When Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2016, they met the challenge head on and made the most out of the time they had.

In high school Jim participated in wrestling, track, and football.  He held many track records during this time.  Jim loved to hunt and fish, learning from his dad and grandfathers.  Jim also worked on the family farm and ranch growing up. Jim's other hobbies were photography and helping with hot air ballooning.  Jim loved living in the Black Hills. He and Linda often explored the area, fishing, and taking walks. They loved camping, taking their camper to the lesser-known campsites in the Black Hills. Amber, their cat, enjoyed going along as well.

Jim is survived by his wife Linda Parker of Spearfish, SD, brothers Robert Parker of Green River, WY, Ross (Karin) Parker of Colorado Springs, CO, and sister Linda (Mark) Sandgren of Hermosa, SD, stepchildren: Kimberly (Duane) Steichen of Topeka, KS, Melina (Tim) Jones of Tucson, AZ, Matthew (LeAnne) Wipf of Belle Fourche, SD, and Joshua (Michele) Wipf of Mesa, AZ. He had 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and 29 nieces and nephews.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, Merrill Jr. and Lennice Parker, grandparents, Merrill and Katherine Parker, grandparents Kyle and Leona Gladstone, sister-in-law Lorie Parker, and mother-in-law Bonnie Haeger.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 11, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church in Whitewood, SD. Burial will follow in the Whitewood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday October 10, 2024, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Home in Spearfish, SD, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.