James R. Pearson, 87 of Spearfish died Monday, January 16, 2012 at the Belle Fourche Healthcare.

James was born March 16, 1924 in Phillip, South Dakota to Axel and Lenne (Miles) Pearson. He was raised in Phillip and after the 8th grade he started working on the family ranch. James married Lola Miller on March 9, 1965 in Rapid City, SD. He worked various jobs throughout his life including construction, railroad and at the State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, he retired from the State Veterans Home after thirteen years of service. James and Lola made their home in Spearfish since 1995.

Grateful to have shared in Jame's life are two sons, Harry Pearson of Lead, SD; and Jay Pearson of Spearfish, SD; daughter, Vivian Krus of Huntington Beach, CA; sister, Florence Glasgow of Wall, SD; nine grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, Emil Magnusson of Rapid City, SD; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Pearson of Spearfish; SD.

James was preceded in death by his parents, wife and four brothers; Roy Miles, Palmer, Pear and Francis Pearson and two sisters, Thelma Doorman and Rita Magnusson.

Arrangements are pending