James E. Luitjens was born to Edwin and Roselyn (Olson) Luitjens on June 8, 1942 in Britton, SD. He received his education at Weston Consolidated School in Amherst graduating in 1960. In 1962 Jim entered the U.S. Air Force and served four years stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois and Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon his military discharge, he returned to the family farm and began farming with his father. Jim eventually took over the operation and farmed until retiring in 2009.
Jim married Leah Cole of the Langford-Britton area on July 7, 1963, and to this union had two daughters, Tracey and Jennifer.
Jim was a strong proponent of the co-op way of doing business and served on several boards over the years including Lake Region Electric Association, Full Circle Ag and the Claremont Fire Department. He also served as Marshall County Democratic chairman for several years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Britton and a 55 year member of the Harold Feser Post #262 of the American Legion of Claremont.
Even with the many stresses of farming Jim often said he enjoyed being his own boss and seeing his crops grow and mature. He always said he felt closest to his Maker when he was out planting on a nice Spring day. He was a proud Dad and loved his family. His granddaughters had a very special place in his heart.
Jim passed away Thursday, June 1, 2022 at his rural Claremont home with his family at his side. He was one week shy of his 80th birthday.
Jim is survived by his wife, Leah; daughters: Tracey (Ben Ziegler) and Jennifer (Troy Bahr), two granddaughters; brothers: Mike (Marlyce), Mark (Diane), and Paul (Angela); sisters-in-law Georgia Loberg and Bonnie Cole; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Adapted from Price Funeral Chapel obituary
James E. Luitjens was born to Edwin and Roselyn (Olson) Luitjens on June 8, 1942 in Britton, SD. He received his education at Weston Consolidated School in Amherst graduating in 1960. In 1962 Jim entered the U.S. Air Force and served four years stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Illinois and Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska. Upon his military discharge, he returned to the family farm and began farming with his father. Jim eventually took over the operation and farmed until retiring in 2009.
Jim married Leah Cole of the Langford-Britton area on July 7, 1963, and to this union had two daughters, Tracey and Jennifer.
Jim was a strong proponent of the co-op way of doing business and served on several boards over the years including Lake Region Electric Association, Full Circle Ag and the Claremont Fire Department. He also served as Marshall County Democratic chairman for several years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Britton and a 55 year member of the Harold Feser Post #262 of the American Legion of Claremont.
Even with the many stresses of farming Jim often said he enjoyed being his own boss and seeing his crops grow and mature. He always said he felt closest to his Maker when he was out planting on a nice Spring day. He was a proud Dad and loved his family. His granddaughters had a very special place in his heart.
Jim passed away Thursday, June 1, 2022 at his rural Claremont home with his family at his side. He was one week shy of his 80th birthday.
Jim is survived by his wife, Leah; daughters: Tracey (Ben Ziegler) and Jennifer (Troy Bahr), two granddaughters; brothers: Mike (Marlyce), Mark (Diane), and Paul (Angela); sisters-in-law Georgia Loberg and Bonnie Cole; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
Adapted from Price Funeral Chapel obituary
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