James Rumbolz

Sioux Falls, SD - James (Jim) Rumbolz passed away peacefully on June 16th, 2020 at Avera Prince of Peace Retirement Home. He was 88 years old. Jim was born on December 22, 1931 in Ethan, South Dakota to Effie and Ernest Rumbolz, Sr.

Jim's lifelong love was law enforcement. He served with the SD Highway Patrol for 21 years before earning his Masters Degree in Sociology and History. He switched careers to teach Criminal Justice Studies at the University of South Dakota for ten years. A lover of education, Jim then went on to get his Ph.D. in Administration Higher Education and Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. His third career was as the administrator of the Custer State Hospital in Custer, SD. He retired from there in 1993 but returned to teach Criminal Justice in Rapid City as part of USD's Off-Campus Program.

He was devoted to and deeply loved his family. Kindness and respect were something he believed everyone deserved. He was an avid reader and writer and an award-winning pistol champ. If there is anything Jim would encourage others to do, it is to write their story. He believed every life is interesting and should be recorded for posterity.

Proud and grateful for having shared his life are his four children, Terryl Cadwell of Sioux Falls and her children Chad (Chrissy) and Chelsea (Brady), Cheryl Pedersen (Steve) of Eagan, MN and their children Aaron (Stephanie), Rachel (Tony), and Mara (Adam), Jay Rumbolz (Angie), of Yakima, WA and his children Alex (Cassie) and Hannah (Joel), and Judy Rumbolz of Sioux Falls and her children Megan (Tim) and Austin. There are nine great-grandchildren who will carry his legacy. Jim also had many friends who loved him and will remember him as "the last of the great gentlemen."

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancy, his parents, a sister and two brothers.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the end of July. On Friday, July 24th a car procession will leave from Heritage Funeral Home to Woodlawn Cemetery at 2:00 pm led by a SD Highway Patrol Honor Guard assisted by the SF Police Department. A short committal service will be held graveside.

Saturday, July 25th there will be a gathering of friends from 2-5 at Turks & Caicos Cabana Grille in Sioux Falls.

We ask in lieu of flowers that donations be made to The SD Highway Patrol Association.

All arrangements are being handled by Heritage Funeral Home.

www.heritagesfsd.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Argus Leader from Jun. 19 to Jul. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Rumbolz

Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls.

15 Entries

bob and shirley brown

July 28, 2021

I was proud to have JIM AS A friend We spent many hunting trips together. Shirley and I spent many wonderful times together in. Sioux Falls, Custer, and Vermilion with Jim and Nancy. Jim was one of the finest man I have ever known; I I admired him more than anyone I have ever known.

Doug Kirkus

July 26, 2020

I first met Jim while I was a student at Dakota Wesleyan University. I had planned on becoming a history and political science teacher. I had taken a couple of psychology courses, one of which required us to do some ride-alongs with the Mitchell Police Department. That piqued my interest in Criminal Justice, so when I saw that DWU was offering a Criminal Justice class I enrolled in it. It was a 3-hour night class that was taught by Jim and a Federal Parole Officer. At that time Jim was a Sergeant with the SD Highway Patrol. I was immediately impressed with Jim not only as an outstanding educator, but I also felt that he had to be an equally outstanding law enforcement officer. Needless to say, I not only enjoyed the class, but I especially enjoyed visiting with him during breaks. I can still remember some of his stories about his early days on the Highway Patrol. I then took another Criminal Justice class with Jim as the instructor. I was a Junior at the time of the second class. One day I read about upcoming civil service testing for the SD Highway Patrol. I remember calling Jim’s house one evening hoping to find out some more information about the process. His wife answered and I explained to her who I was and why I wanted to visit with Jim. She said Jim was on-duty, but she would have him call me. Jim did call me and explained the process. I went to Watertown and took the written test. I can remember waiting for the results and finally they came in the mail. I had passed the written test and I was invited for an interview in Pierre. I did the interview on my 21st birthday. Unfortunately, I did not get on the Highway Patrol due to my uncorrected vision. I was aware of the vision requirement for the Highway Patrol, so I had also applied for a patrol officer position with the Mitchell Police Department. I started on the Mitchell Police Department the next day as a rookie patrol officer. Little did I realize that I would spend the next 21 years in law enforcement, spending 212 years with the Police Department, 12 years with the Sheriff’s Office and 612 years as the Chief of Police for Mitchell. I loved my career and I owe that start to Jim. Without his inspiration, I doubt that I would have pursued a different career path other than teaching.
I had the opportunity to learn from various law enforcement officers over the years. I tried to glean as much information from those whom I respected to try to make me a better officer. Jim was one of those officers. I learned from him how important it was to treat people the same way you would want to be treated. I also admired how Jim presented himself. He was always dressed neatly and presented himself in a relaxed manner, yet I learned from other officers that he could be as tough as a situation warranted.
Later I got to know the humorous side of him. Who could forget his pencil drawings? I retired the first of this year, so I have had some time to go through some old boxes. I found a couple of copies of his drawings. There was always the signature dog in the lower corner.
I was so sorry to hear of his passing. We never know what our legacy is going to be, but I do know what Jim’s legacy is going to be and it will live on by the many lives he touched. I know the impact that Jim had on my life and my career. I can only begin to image how many other lives he impacted as a law enforcement officer and as an educator. He will be someone that I will always remember.

Doug Kirkus

Curt Jensen

July 14, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He had a major influence on my life. As one of my teachers at USD his many fascinating stories & experiences contributed to my desire to become a State Trooper and I was fortuanate to join the Highway Patrol after graduating from college. (Having been one of his students certainly helped during the interview and hiring process!) I often find myself thinking back on those days in his classroom and smiling at the memories. God Bless his family. Godspeed James Rumbolz.

Mark and Angie Bennett

July 10, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Rumbolz. I have worked with Cheryl for years at Citibank and recently heard of her father's passing. My wife and I wish to send the warmest of hugs and thoughts to the entire family during this time. Blessing to you from us in Tennessee.

Cynthia Davis

June 27, 2020

Dear Rumbolz family, I had the great privilege of meeting James at Prince of Peace during the time my mom, Yvonne Doss, lived there. We would visit in the
"cafe" area frequently about our families. He was so kind, intelligent, dignified and genuine. Please, know you are in my prayers. Sincerely, Cynthia Davis

Connie Ross

June 24, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I haven't thought about the time he worked at the State Hospital south of Custer for many many years. I cleaned the front offices where his office and the secretaries offices were. There were times when he came in while I was still cleaning and we'd chat. He was always a kind sweet gentleman that had a soft gentle personality and just nice to visit with. I send prayers and thoughts to all of his beautiful family and friends.

Leah Johnson

June 24, 2020

Cheryl and family...my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I pray you feel surrounded by love. Your dad sounds like he was an amazing man!

Ally Jian

June 23, 2020

Our hearts go out to you and your family. I am with you in thought and wish you comfort and peace as you remember your father.

Cindy Glenn

June 22, 2020

So sorry to hear about your loss, Cheryl. I know how much you treasured your father. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Susan Rossmeisl

June 22, 2020

Im sorry to hear of Jims passing. Whenever I would go to Prince of Peace to visit my mother, I would see him in the hallways. He always said hello with a smile on his face. Very gentle spirit. May he Rest In Peace. Susan Rossmeisl

Larry Puthoff

June 21, 2020

Cheryl & Steve Pederson,
My sincere and deepest condolences on the loss of your dad and father-in-law, Jim. I know you will miss him very much, but his qualities and memories will live in your hearts forever. May Jim Rest In Peace.

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well-used brings happy death." ~Leonardo da Vinci

Warmest regards,
Larry Puthoff

Jean & Dick Hicks

June 19, 2020

We were so sorry to hear of Jims passing. Jim and my dad, August Braun, enjoyed playing pool at Prince of Peace. We had many interesting visits with him and are grateful for his service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marley Lemon

June 19, 2020

So sorry to hear about Jim. My mom, Ag Hicks and I enjoyed visiting with him at Prince of Peace.
RIP Jim
Ag Hicks & Marley Lemon

Kim Rumbolz

June 18, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Peggy and Ole Hoel

June 18, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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