James Clark "Jim" Hannum

James "Jim" Clark Hannum
March 8, 2025
James "Jim" Clark Hannum, age 89, of Wessington Springs, died Saturday, March 8, 2025, at home in Wessington Springs, five days before his 90th birthday. Graveside services were held Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Scotty Philip Cemetery at Fort Pierre.
Jim was raised in the Badlands of South Dakota. He grew up working livestock, and breaking horses for his dad and Johnny Tibbs, while learning from old time cowboys in this area back when most cattle were shipped to and from on trains. He trailed cattle across western South Dakota when it was the easiest way to move them 100 miles. That was the way they still did things when Jim was learning livestock.
Jim was a lifelong bronc rider and horseman. He joined the Rodeo Cowboy Association (RCA) in 1952, as he preferred "lipstick and whiskey" instead of work. Jim achieved many things throughout his career, such as winning second at Boston Gardens, riding Snake (a great horse by Joe Kelsee), winning the finals in Omak, Washington, placing in Calgary, and winning second at an invitation only bronc riding match in Deer Lodge, Montana.
Following his rodeo career, he won the High Scoring 1st year at the World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno, Nevada, in 1985, which was a true testament of his talent for starting and finishing colts. He later managed the Adobe Ranch in New Idra, California, where he ran cattle and broke wild horses.
Jim was a fierce family man, instilling work ethic and independence in his children. Growing up on the back of horses, he would often quiz them on cardinal directions and test them to see if they could find their way home. He was a gift to those who knew him. No matter the circumstances, he would show up for the people he loved. His family knew him as tough as iron and quick as a whip. There was nothing more important to him than his children, family, and God. Jim will be deeply missed by family and friends.
He is survived by his sons, Kip, James, and Hugh Hannum; daughters, Helena and Colleen Hannum; and his wife Linda.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son and daughter, John Patrick Hannum and Meghan Maureen Hannum; and siblings, John Hannum, Robert "Butch" Hannum, and Roberta Mahar.
Arrangements are with Basham Funeral Service.