James "Jim" Orr

James "Jim" Robert Orr, 54, of Vermillion, SD, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, while "wintering" in Goodyear, AZ. He was often described as a big teddy bear who gave the best hugs. Jim's kind heart, patience, dedication to his family and friends, and unwavering spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

Jim was born on November 26, 1970 (Thanksgiving Day), in Yankton, SD, to Beverly (Bev Nissen) and Roland (Ron) Orr. He was baptized and confirmed at Pleasant Valley Lutheran Church, Vermillion, SD , where he developed a strong foundation of faith that guided him throughout his life. His spiritual journey was an important part of who he was, providing him with strength and comfort during both joyful and challenging times.

Jim graduated from Wakonda (SD) High School in 1989 and earned his degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD, in 1993. During high school, Jim was named to the South Dakota Argus Leader Elite 45 Football Team in 1988 and was recruited to play football at Northern State University. Jim had a passion for sports and was not only an avid athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, and participating in track and field, but his love for sports continued throughout his life, and he was a dedicated fan of the University of South Dakota Coyotes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

He married the love of his life, Jennifer "Jenny" Larsen, on November 30, 1996, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion, SD. Together, they built a life filled with love and cherished memories. Jim was a devoted father to his daughter, Kelcy Jordon Orr, who was born on April 22, 2008, and tragically passed away on December 23, 2023. Despite the heartache, Jim's love for his family remained steadfast and unwavering.

After the tragic loss of his daughter Kelcy to fentanyl poisoning, Jim became actively involved in Emily's Hope to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and to support other families affected by similar tragedies. Jim's legacy of love and resilience will continue to inspire those who knew him.

In addition to his newfound advocacy call, Jim followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather continuing work on the family farm, where he raised crops and cattle. His dedication to farming was a testament to his hard work and commitment to his family's legacy.

Jim loved to fish and hunt and made sure that not only his daughter, nieces and nephews got to experience this, but he was always the first to say yes to letting kids hunt on the family farm. His passion for the outdoors and his generous spirit created lasting memories for many young people, fostering a love for nature and the traditions of hunting and fishing. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness and enthusiasm for the great outdoors.

Jim was deeply involved in his community, giving farmers a voice and serving on the Vermillion Township Board. His dedication to advocating for the farming community showcased his commitment to making a positive impact locally.

Jim was also known for his great sense of humor and his ability to reign his wife in. His ability to bring laughter and joy to those around him was one of his most endearing qualities, and it will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Jim leaves behind his wife, Jenny; his mother, Bev Orr of Vermillion, SD; his sister, Steph Berry, of Sioux Falls, SD; father-in-law, Don Larsen of Vermillion, SD; brothers-in-laws, Dustin Larsen (Liza Jackson) of Vermillion, SD, and Scott Larsen of Waubay, SD; and his sister-in-law, Melissa (Jacob) Overby of Beresford, SD. He leaves behind his nieces and nephews Colin Berry, Jillian (Isaac) Andal, Alicia (Ali) Kribell, Nicholas (Angie) Kribell, Elizabeth (Lulu) Larsen, James (Jamie) Larsen, and Anthony Jackson.

Jim also leaves behind special friends who were like family to him: Patrick, Kallie, and Tori Booth; Gary (his other "wife") Jepsen; and his bonus daughters, Morgan Higman and Josie Askew. Their bond with Jim was a testament to his ability to form deep and meaningful connections with those around him. His warmth and generosity will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jim is also survived by a large extended family, including many uncles, aunts, and cousins. His strong family ties and the love he shared with his extended family members were a significant part of his life. These relationships brought him joy and support, and his memory will continue to be cherished by all who knew him.

In death, Jim is reunited with his daughter, Kelcy Orr; his father, Roland Orr; his two infant sisters Shelley and Debra Orr; his mother-in-law, Peggy Larsen; and his grandparents, Bud and Eileen Orr, and Robert and Jean Nissen.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion, SD, at 11 am. The family will be present to receive friends and loved ones starting at 10 am.

On Saturdays we wear RED. Please come in your Coyote or Husker RED as we celebrate Jim.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Emily's Hope (emilyshope.charity) and/or Kelcy's Kicks (gotanagers.com/tanagers) in Jim's memory.

Jim's warmth, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.