James Roy "Jim" Deiterman

James "Jim" Deiterman, 66, of Montevideo, MN (formerly of Elkton, SD) passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Elkton, SD. Family-present visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral service.
Jim was born on November 20, 1958, to Arnold and Marlys (Williams) Deiterman, the youngest of four children. He grew up on the family farm near Ward and attended St. Mary's and Elkton Public Schools in Elkton, SD. Jim graduated from Elkton High School in 1977. He completed a degree in Ag Banking from Pipestone Area Vocational Technical Institute in 1981. Jim farmed the home place until around 2010 and later moved to the Granite Falls area where he was employed at Prairie's Edge Casino Resort.
Jim was a quiet kid, but his siblings would often hear him singing while playing outside or caring for farm animals. He and siblings, cousins, and neighbor kids converted many old pieces of farm machinery into imaginary rocket ships to the moon and back. In the 1970s, our parents had a house moved onto the farmstead and completely renovated it. Jim and Len were cold in the old house and decided to go to the newly renovated house in the middle of a blizzard. As they turned the corner of the old house, the cold wind knocked them back and took their breath away. Jim asked Len if they were still going, and Len said yes. They were toasty warm in the new house that night, although Mom was a bit uneasy about their hike in the blizzard.
Jim prized his nickname 'Ace' from classmates while studying at Pipestone. He delighted in having younger family members visit the farm, especially nephews Paul and Mike who spent summers with him. Like his dad, Jim could recall historic and family events with great detail. He enjoyed spending time with his daughter, Emily, collecting model John Deere tractors and equipment, and caring for his cat, Poppy.
Jim will lovingly be remembered by his daughter, Emily Deiterman, Brookings, SD; siblings Charles Deiterman, Dodge City, KS, Lenard (Carol) Deiterman, Springdale, AR, and Nadene Deiterman (Keith) Greni, Rapid City; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice.