James (Jim) J. VanDerWerff, 66 of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away Wednesday, August 25th, 2021, at his home in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Jim was born May 18th, 1955, in Mitchell South Dakota to nurturing mother, Norma Brink. 8 days later he was adopted by his loving parents Erwin (Van) and Florence Viola (Vi) VanDerWerff.

Jim grew up in Mitchell, where he attended school graduating from Mitchell High School in 1973. March of 1979, Jim married Anne Rozum (Bailey) also of Mitchell. The two of them moved to Spearfish, where they had two children Kristi Marie (1/3/82) and Daniel James (11/7/84).

Jim lived in Belle Fourche for a few years before moving to Florida with Marilyn (Coffy) and her two boys. In Florida, Jim began work at a shipyard before landing a job as a building engineer for the historic Biltmore Hotel.

Jim love Florida but he hated living so far from his beloved children that he packed up his van and moved to Littleton, Colorado to be close to his daughter and son. There he got back into telecommunications working for US West.

Jim returned to Spearfish in 2006 to care for his mother (Vi) who had been diagnosed with cancer. After losing his mother in 2007, Jim remained in Spearfish to be near his father.

Jim loved to have a good time and was always the life of the party. He made many lifelong friends. Jim loved to ride his Harley through the Black Hills in Spearfish canyon. He also loved to cook and try out new recipes which he would share with his daughter whom he would spend hours at a time on the phone. Jim shared the last 16 years of his life with his two dearly loved cats Columbine and Gemini.

Jim went to heaven to join his much-beloved parents Van and Vi as well as his two cats. He leaves behind many loved ones to mourn, mother, Norma Brink; brothers Calvin Brink, and Dennis Brink; sisters, Pamela Brink-Winskowski, and Diana Thomes. His children who meant the world to him daughter, Kristi (Brad) VanDerWerff; son, Daniel (Megan) VanDerWerff; grandchildren, Julia (Alex) Becker, Corbin, Dante, Theodore, Jo-jo and Sammy; special family, Anne (Keith) Bailey, Gina (Luke) Patterson, as well as many nieces nephews and his lifelong friends.

A memorial service will be held on October 9, 2021, at 1 pm, Spearfish City Park, Log Cabin. 115 S Canyon Street, Spearfish, SD 57782. All are welcome to join Jim's family in sharing memories and celebrating his life.

In our hearts forever, we love and miss you, Jim!

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com